Tourists could face on-the-spot fines for antisocial behaviour
Such fines are being introduced in several European destinations
Updated 3.40pm
Tourists could be required to pay on-the-spot fines for antisocial behaviour such as littering and excessive noise under proposals being considered by the Home Affairs Ministry.
"The purpose is to introduce an effective deterrent and avoid a situation where these people leave without paying the fines," the minister said in a Facebook post.
"We want people to come to Malta and enjoy themselves in a proper manner while respecting the country and its people," he said.
The minister invited people to submit their views to the ministry about the proposal.
Several countries such as Spain, Italy and Croatia already require tourists to pay on-the-spot fines for antisocial behaviour, including public drinking, wearing swimwear off the beach, littering, walking shirtless or driving in restricted zones. Some of the fines are for several hundred euros, with discounts given for prompt payment.
Last year, Nationalist MP Graziella Attard Previ complained about people wearing bikinis on Rudolph Street, Sliema, right next to the police station, and nobody doing anything about it.
And residents of Paceville and Swieqi have frequently complained about unsocial behavious by young tourists damaging cars and property.
The BBC reported last year that Europe is cracking down on unruly holidaymakers. In Portugal's popular seaside town of Albufeira, wearing swimwear off the beach could cost a tourist up to €1,500. In Spain's Balearic Islands – including Mallorca and Ibiza – public drinking fines can reach €3,000, it said.
"The rules, while they might sound rigid and punitive when listed out, are all about encouraging responsible and empathetic travelling," Jessica Harvey Taylor, Head of Press at the Spanish Tourism Office in London told the broadcaster. "They are designed to protect the holiday experiences of the vast majority of people who behave responsibly on holiday."
MHRA welcomes proposal
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association welcomed the proposal, saying the measure reflected a long-standing MHRA recommendation to strengthen enforcement, protect community well-being, and safeguard Malta’s reputation.
"Malta is welcoming, but respect for its laws and residents is non-negotiable. Immediate fines will serve as a clear deterrent and help maintain order and standards," it said in a statement.