Court stops St Julian’s council over St Patrick’s Day concession

Labour MP Luciano Busuttil has secured a court injunction on the St Julian’s local council, in his capacity as a lawyer acting on behalf of the bars Ryan’s Pub, Tigullio and Saddles Bar, protesting a decision to grant Philip Gatt and Melchior Vassallo exclusive rights for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations of 17 March.

Massive Promotions were granted a licence to play music and sell alcohol during the celebration, while not being an owner of any outlet in the St Julian’s area. The bars in question were granted a council permit to extend their point-of-sales outside their shop fronts, but without playing music.

The commercial establishments said the decision was “abusive and illegal” and that the council was trying to negotiate on a compromise to allow the two entrepreneurs to organise the sale of beverages throughout the spontaneous St Patrick’s Day celebration in St Julian’s.

Traditionally, the bars are the main outlets serving customers celebrating the Irish patron saint, with Irish bars in the area using the day as an occasion to attract customers.