ILLEGAL DECKCHAIRS

Fra Ben kiosk operator who defied authorities shut down, fined

The Malta Tourism Authority and the Lands Department yesterday closed down a Fra Ben kiosk after its owners defied orders to stop putting out illegal deckchairs.

On Saturday, officials removed some 100 deckchairs and 30 umbrellas from the site in Qawra. But barely 24 hours later the operator had already put out more deckchairs and umbrellas on the same spot.

“Following the joint operation conducted by the Malta Tourism Authority and the Lands Authority in which deckchairs and umbrellas were removed from Ta’ Fra Ben yesterday, the two entities followed up with further action today.

“When MTA and Lands Authority officials inspected the area again this morning, it was found that the operator had continued with the provision of illegal deckchairs. About 70 deckchairs were already in use when the inspection took place. The operator was informed that MTA and the Lands Authority will be issuing €5000 in fines excluding any operational costs. The authorities will also be enforcing closure with immediate effect,” MTA said in a statement.

This joint action is part of the ongoing drive aimed at ensuring that regulations are respected in full.

Further actions have already been taken at Armier Bay and Little Armier. Operators in other locations in Malta and Gozo are voluntarily taking action in order to regularise their position.