On Thursday evening, many locals and Mġarr residents were shocked to see a cafeteria using public space next to the locality’s Parish Church.

Photos of Carolina’s Petite Cafe and Tearoom’s shopfront and tables were shared on social media. The post, shared through Independent candidate Arnold Cassola’s Facebook page and on popular platform ‘Are You Being Served’ caused an uproar with the public deeming it as another episode of public land use by businesses.

While some stated that this is another case of abuse and greed, others remarked on the lack of safety.

WhosWho.mt has been reliably informed that the turf across the street from the establishment was placed there temporarily for an event and to mark the opening of the shop. It was also said that the establishment had the necessary permits in place.

In fact, sources who have been in the area this morning told WhosWho.mt that the turf, chairs and tables on the church’s side have since been removed and were replaced by cars.

Carolina’s Petite Cafe and Tearoom is a chain across Malta and can be found in Balzan, Sliema and Qawra and is known for its pink and French aesthetic.

Land encroachment is a controversial issue on the islands with many NGOs protesting about use of public land by businesses. The public’s reaction to this case was fuelled by years of pent-up frustration by locals who have seen businesses take up valuable space in many areas across Malta.

Just last month, an ambulance in Valletta could not pass through Santa Luċija Street because of tables and chairs which were creating an obstacle.

A similar occurrence happened in March where an ambulance in Valletta could not pass through a road near Marks and Spencer and was subsequently faced with the same issues when trying to access an alternative route.