Marsascala Kiosk Owner Defiant Over Illegal Tables and Chairs

Marsascala kiosk owner defiant over 'illegal' tables and chairs

A kiosk owner in Marsascala is refusing to remove tables and chairs placed illegally on the promenade, arguing that everyone else is doing it and enforcement is selective.

The owner of the Lions Beach Kiosk, Gilbert Fenech, said he had permits for the tables and chairs last year but the government has so far failed to issue permits for this year, despite several kiosks already having them in hand.

He questioned why he was being targeted, suggesting that the authorities were turning a blind eye to others who were also operating without permits.

Fenech argued that he had always followed the rules and paid his fees, adding that he did not understand what he is doing wrong. He said that he had to lay off employees due to a lack of permits and that he was struggling to make a living. He also said that tourists have complained about the lack of tables and chairs.

Times of Malta visited the kiosk on Sunday and observed at least five sets of tables and chairs illegally placed along the promenade. Other businesses along the same stretch also had tables and chairs outside, some with visible permits while others did not.

The government had pledged to improve the system of issuing permits for tables and chairs outside commercial establishments this year. Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said a more streamlined system had been designed based on four main principles: sustainability, accessibility, safety, and level playing field.

The Planning Authority had previously stated that tables and chairs placed on the promenade by Fenech’s kiosk were illegal. It confirmed that no enforcement action had yet been taken, despite the kiosk having been served with a notice.