A new policy aimed at “facilitating” the placement of tables and chairs in open public spaces was released for public consultation, although enforcement rules to stem abuse remain unchanged.
The revised policy, drawn up by a committee formed between ministries, targets the exploitation of outdoor dining – one of the selling points the country wants to promote, according to Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis.
“We want more people to use outdoor places. Outdoor catering is a selling point for the country that we need to promote. This is not a policy to muzzle the private sector but one designed to enable a level playing field through consistency and clarity of regulations,” he said.
The planning authority will act as a “one-stop-shop”, where catering establishments can apply for permits, as opposed to the current situation in which applications have to be submitted to at least four authorities.
Planning Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon said it was innovative that the private sector was involved in drawing up the revised policy. The private entity involved was the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association – which would have an interest in facilitating procedures.
Asked whether the policy’s revision addressed the need to stem abuse in popular areas such as Sliema and St Paul’s Bay, Dr Falzon said the standardisation of rules would facilitate enforcement.
Yet while issuing permits will be made easier, the responsibility for enforcement will remain in the hands of the numerous different entities previously involved.
These include Mepa, the police, Transport Malta and the Land Department. The policy does not go into enforcement issues. Mepa CEO Johann Buttigieg said the planning authority would be responsible for drawing the au-thorities’ attention to breaches.
The vast number of tables and chairs in public spaces has generated a significant amount of complaints over the years due to abuse. Public access to pavements is often blocked, creating difficulties for people with mobility problems or parents with prams. The new rules establish that a minimum of 1.5 metres of space must be left for public access around the tables and chairs.
The rules will apply to all establishments, including those with permits already in hand. All the ‘encroachment’ permits issued will be temporary and subject to withdrawal if conditions change.
Limitations are imposed on permits, such as their use in designated zones like Urban Conservation Areas. The new policy also states that permits will “not be normally permitted” on pedestrian public footpaths that are either adjacent to arterial roads or located in close proximity to fast-moving traffic.
The number of covers allowed outside will be determined on the basis of the amount of space available, as well as the ability of the kitchen to cater for such covers. The number of covers allowed both inside and outside must be displayed on site.
The rules do not apply to kiosks, which cannot benefit from the new policy. The deadline for public consultation is October 23. The policy can be accessed on the Mepa website under the link entitled Public Consultation.
caroline.muscat@timesofmalta.com