[WATCH] Draft policy aimed at curtailing encroachment abuse

Ministers launch public consultation on a draft policy on outdoor catering areas • Video by Ray Attard

A draft policy launched for public consultation aims to curtail the illegal placing of street furniture by catering outlets on public pavements.

The draft 'Policy, Guidance and Standards for Outdoor Catering Areas on Public Open Space' was launched by Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis and parliamentary secretary for planning Michael Falzon.

Business unit manager Robert Vella told a news conference that the unit used to receive numerous complaints of stakeholder abusing their encroached area.

“We are now introducing more permanent and physical barriers," he said, as he spoke of firmer enforcement.

He said, that stakeholders viewed the process of applying for permits as “complicated” since it involved different departments.

"Public access and safety are some of the main aspects the document touches upon," he said, explaining that a minimum requirement for free space had been introduced.

“There has to be a passage that is at least 1.5m wide in establishments taking up public space,” Vella explained.
Other themes included the type of furniture and equipment used as well as about the enclosing structures used.

Vella said that the document aimed to find a way to make the license available from one place, and that the public consultation would be open for six weeks (until Friday 23rd October).

On his part, the Tourism Minister said Malta needed to make use of its limited resources, including eating outdoors as “an attraction”.

"Eating outdoors is one of the main attractions for a Mediterranean country so we are finding ways to make them more profitable and more orderly," Zammit Lewis said.

Zammit lewis also explained that the document was unique as it was a result of shared discussions, where even the private sector was consulted.

“The document was not created in a vacuum, but we consulted with the stakeholders to find the most convenient and efficient solutions,” he said, further stressing the fact that the document was intended to create more clarity and consistency.

Junior minister Michael Falzon said a one-stop-shop would be created, whereby the various aspects could be dealt with by one unit. He added that the document had involved various ministries and that it aimed to steer away from the out-dated concept that public spaces were there to “use and abuse”.

He added that MEPA would now be responsible for the licensing and coordinate with the different entities according to the enforcement needed.