Last weekend, the Enforcement Directorate within the Malta Tourism Authority oversaw 300 inspections across several localities to ensure that the latest round of restrictions are being adhered to.

A press release issued by the authorities said inspections were carried out to ensure that establishments serving food, such as snack bars and social clubs, are adhering to the new rules which no longer permit the sale of alcohol and which enforce an 11pm curfew.

Bars have been ordered shut until 1st December, while restaurants have, so far, allowed to continue operating under pre-existing restrictions, which dictate distance between tables and heightened hygiene practices.

Following the weekend’s inspections, two establishments were found to be in breach of the latest rules, while legal action will be launched against them.

In the period between March and May, when all food establishments were restricted to selling take-aways and deliveries, while other non-food establishments were ordered to close, the MTA’s Enforcement Directorate oversaw 40,000 inspections. During this period, the authorities said that 10 establishments were found to be in breach of restrictions imposed at the time. Appropriate legal action was thus launched.

Between June and October, tourism operators were allowed to operate under strict conditions. During this period, around 5,000 audits and inspections took place, pertaining to food establishments and other operators in the tourism sector. In this period, 25 establishments were found to be in breach of the law with relevant action taken.