Demolition of Magic Kiosk: Request for warrant turned down

The First Hall of the Civil Court has turned down a request for the issue of a warrant to stop the further demolition of the Magic Kiosk in Sliema.

The request was filed by owner Joe Pace on behalf of Britannia Catering, who claimed violation of human rights. The Land Department argued that lease contracts on the site had expired.

The court on January 12 had issued a temporary warrant to stop the demolition works - which started three days previously - while it considered the case.

The court ruled this morning, however, that there were no legal grounds for a warrant to be issued as Mr Pace had no legal title to the land upon which the kiosk was constructed.

The court was presided by Mr Justice Geoffrey Valenzia.

Meanwhile, Britannia Catering has filed another request for the issue of a warrant of a prohibitory injunction to stop the government from recycling aluminium taken from the kiosk.