Still no on-the-spot fines for tourists, despite a June 1 promise

Regulations for on-the-spot fines targeting tourists and other non-residents who break the law have still not been published, more than a month after they were due to come into force.

The fines were meant to be introduced on June 1 through a legal notice, following an announcement in May by then Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri.

But more than a month later, residents told Times of Malta there was still no indication of when the measures would be introduced. 

One Swieqi resident said the situation was worsening, with more rowdy tourists causing noise and disruption in the streets late at night.

“Swieqi residents have reached a breaking point,” the resident said.

“Every single night we witness intoxicated individuals wandering the streets half-naked, vandalising property, shouting, singing and screaming late into the night, throwing eggs and even urinating on walls in private front gardens.”

“The four police officers on night duty are doing an outstanding job, but they simply cannot be everywhere at once.”

Swieqi deputy mayor Jordan Galea Pace also questioned what had happened to measures promised before the May election.

“The government had promised that on-the-spot fines for tourists who breach regulations would come into force from June 1. Today is July 1. Where are they?” he asked.

He said the government had also promised that all Airbnb properties would have a plaque displaying their licence number and contact details, as well as the introduction of underground bins.

“The easiest thing is to make a promise and set a deadline. The most important thing is to keep your word and deliver what you promised,” he said.

Replying to questions, a Home Affairs Ministry spokesperson said the regulations for the on-the-spot fines measures would be “published shortly”.

“The new law will define the power of the authorities to collect fines related to several offences, as well as the consequences applicable to offenders who refuse to pay instantaneously.”

The ministry did not say when the regulations would be published.

During the summer months, tourists and nightlife hotspots such as Sliema, Paceville and Swieqi become crowded with visitors, with residents regularly complaining about antisocial behaviour disrupting their daily lives.

Speaking to Times of Malta, Swieqi mayor Noel Muscat said that earlier this year, Swieqi and Valletta had been selected by the Tourism Ministry as pilot projects on how to solve the problems created by short lets, with on-the-spot fines being one of the measures.

"During discussions, we insisted on the need for its introduction, and before the general election, we were informed that the measure was going to be introduced by June 1. One month later, we have not been informed why the measure has not been introduced and whether it will be introduced at all," Muscat said.

He added that the council had asked four new ministers who had been given new roles for a meeting, but none had even acknowledged the request.