'Introduce tighter laws on late-night alcohol sales, noise and cannabis'

Malta’s hotel and restaurant lobby has called for urgent reforms to laws regulating late-night alcohol sales, noise and cannabis, arguing that stronger enforcement must be backed by clear and practical legislation.

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association welcomed the government's “clear political direction” towards tougher action against anti-social behaviour, describing the strengthening of on-the-spot fines as a positive step.

However, it said comprehensive legislative reform must follow.

“Enforcement is only as effective as the legislation behind it,” the association said, arguing that existing laws were sometimes fragmented, ambiguous or difficult to enforce.

It said clearer legislation would give the police, the Malta Tourism Authority and other bodies well-defined powers and responsibilities, allowing them to use public resources more efficiently and secure better results in court.

The MHRA identified three areas requiring urgent attention.

It said late-night alcohol sales should be properly regulated, arguing that convenience stores and bottle shops should not be allowed to operate as unrestricted suppliers of cheap alcohol throughout the night.

While acknowledging that such outlets provided an important community service, the association said the law should distinguish between legitimate retail activity and practices that fuel anti-social behaviour.

It also called for noise laws to establish objective and enforceable standards, including measurable decibel limits where appropriate.

Residents, businesses and visitors deserved certainty, it said, while enforcement officers needed practical legal tools instead of having to rely on subjective interpretations.

The MHRA also called for a review of Malta’s cannabis legislation to ensure it did not hinder enforcement or create the impression that the country was permissive towards drug use.

It underlined its “zero-tolerance” position on drugs and drug-related crime, saying enforcement authorities should be given clear legal powers while focusing their resources on protecting communities, visitors and public order.

The association said effective enforcement would also require collaboration and information-sharing among the government, enforcement authorities, local councils and businesses.

MHRA president Tony Zahra said Malta should remain a vibrant destination where visitors were welcome to enjoy themselves, but warned that “enjoyment ends where the law and respect for the community begin”.

“Malta warmly welcomes those who respect our country. Those who abuse our hospitality through violence, drugs, excessive noise or anti-social behaviour must face zero tolerance,” he said.

“The direction is right. The priority now is to support stronger enforcement with stronger legislation that provides clear legal powers, clear responsibilities and effective tools for all competent authorities.”

Zahra said such reforms were necessary to safeguard communities and visitors while improving the quality of Malta's tourism product.

The MHRA said it was prepared to work with the government, enforcement authorities and the private sector on legislative reforms and policies aimed at strengthening Malta’s reputation as a safe and high-quality destination.