More order for 1,378 open market stalls

Open markets are expected to start being run in a more organised fashion through a restructuring exercise, Parliamentary Secretary Edwin Vassallo said yesterday.

Speaking during a press briefing yesterday, Mr Vassallo said there are currently 1,378 stalls in open markets in 11 localities. In a few days' time the government gazette will publish information related to the Zebbug open market.

"We are now in a better position to regulate these markets and there is a waiting list of 191 people for vacant posts, spread over the localities," he said.

Mr Vassallo called on hawkers who are not yet registered with the local council to regularise their position by the end of the month.

"If a market hawker does not register then he is running the risk of losing his place in a market and having his place taken by someone who is on the waiting list," he said.

Since registered hawkers will be allotted their own space, which only they can use, this would eliminate the practice of hawkers having to secure their spot on a daily basis. It also meant that hawkers could be found at the same spot, making it easier for people to find a particular stall, Mr Vassallo said.

Open markets are the bread and butter of about 600 families, he added.

Local councils are responsible for the administration of the markets and apart from a trading licence issued by the Trade Licensing Unit the hawker also needs the council's authorisation. Without the council's authorisation no hawker can set up his stall.