Activists demand stricter action against illegal commercial occupation of public spaces

Residents and NGOs called for equal and consistent enforcement on public space abuse and noise pollution by extending new regulations to all Maltese residents rather than just tourists and non-residents.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the activists demanded that the authorities apply the same urgency  enforcement standards, and immediacy now being proposed for tourists to businesses operating illegally in Maltese towns.

This comes after the government announced that people who do not hold residence in Malta, including tourists, will be required to pay on-the-spot fines if they break the law whilst in the country, with immediate fines for offenses like noise pollution and littering.

The activists insisted that this law should mark the beginning of consistent enforcement standards across the country, especially businesses that continue to occupy, obstruct, and degrade public spaces on a daily basis, instead of selective enforcement applied only to individuals.

They elaborated that fines directed at businesses must reflect the scale of the illegality being committed and must be substantial enough to act as a genuine deterrent, not symbolic penalties that businesses simply absorb as part of their operating costs.

They explained that residents across Malta and Gozo are facing the ongoing obstruction of public areas which are being taken over for private commercial use, especially through the spread of illegal tables and chairs, kiosks, and A-frame signs.

Adding to this, they said that residents also continue to endure excessive amplified music often late into the night, describing it as a clear breach of regulations intended to protect residential communities.

"There are not isolated incidents," they said. "They represent a persistent and visible misuse of public space and a sustained disturbance to residents’ quality of life."

The activists asserted that they expect the immediate removal of illegally placed tables, chairs, structures, and commercial obstructions from public spaces, along with effective enforcement of noise pollution laws.

"Pavements, squares, promenades, beaches, and residential streets cannot continue to be treated as extensions of private commercial operations at the expense of accessibility, safety, and residents’ wellbeing," they said. "Public spaces belong to the public."

The statement was signed by Bizzejjed Group, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Marsaskala Residents Network, Marsaxlokk Heritage, Moviment Graffitti, Pembroke Residents, ResidentiBeltin, the Sliema Residents Association, St Paul's Bay Residents, the Swieqi Pressure Group, and Tuna Artna Lura.