Catering lobby group welcomes government’s ‘much-needed’ €300,000 grant for restaurants

The Association for Catering Establishments (ACE) welcomed the announcement made by Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg for the allocation of a €30 million fund dedicated to restaurants in Malta and Gozo.

Borg announced the measure on Thursday, through which every eligible establishment may benefit from grants of up to €300,000 as part of a series of tourism-related pledges, which ACE described as an action in line with the government’s goal for quality tourism.

ACE described the announcement as a positive outcome of sustained dialogue aimed at supporting and strengthening one of the country’s most important economic and tourism sectors, noting that the grant offers much-needed financial support  to ensure restaurants can continue investing in their ambiance, product, human resources and service.

The association explained that while the restaurant industry has experienced steady expansion over recent years, operators have also faced increasing challenges, highlighting the need for targeted support measures which allow businesses to continue investing in quality, innovation, and competitiveness.

ACE said that it looks forward to further collaborations with the authorities to ensure that the sector continues to thrive and contribute positively to the Maltese economy, expressing it’s excitement for further details on the grant.

ADPD denounces the proposal as a “huge blow” to residents

ADPD Chairperson Brian Decelis denounced the proposal for restaurants to receive up to €300,000 as a “huge blow” to residents who have been suffering for years because of these same establishments. 

The party said that commercial businesses who take over spaces, often with illegal extensions and developments, will now be facilitated by this fund, adding that it would have been wiser to implement a fund addressing the quality of life for residents living in localities popular among tourists. 

In a statement issued on Friday, Gauci questioned how the government plans to ensure that businesses receiving the funds will act with respect towards residents.

“The Labour Party has come up with this funding scheme under the pretext of improving the tourist product,” ADPD Chairperson Sandra Gauci said. 

ADPD concluded by saying that the announcement is just another scheme in this electoral campaign where commercial interests come before any other consideration.