The management behind a popular Valletta bar, Café Society, has appealed for calm amid public controversy over the way the latest COVID-related measures have been announced.

On Monday, the authorities announced that bars and nightclubs would have to shut their doors as from today, except for those bars and social clubs also acting as a restaurant.

A legal notice published on Tuesday and further statements by the Malta Tourism Authority clarified that bars would be allowed to remain open, so long as patrons remain seated throughout their visit to an establishment.

Bars will be required to serve snacks, such as platters, alongside alcoholic beverages.

The news that bars will be allowed to remain open under the new rules caused public outrage, with many viewing the move as a U-turn and the bowing down to business-pressure.

In the wake of the latest controversy, Café Society announced that it will be closing its doors until clearer guidelines are issued.

“Whilst we technically do have a license to also serve food, we are currently not geared up to offer you guys something of the quality of standard we are accustomed to delivering, so rather than serving something of inferior quality, we are happy to get to that drawing board and start cooking up something delicious”.

Management continued to say that it appreciated the Government’s efforts to try and keep as many establishments operational as is possible.

In a strongly worded message, it called for the public to consider that bars are not just places people visit to do something they regret in the morning, and stressed that bars across the island are the livelihood of many business owners.

“For those who are screaming Blue Murder and calling for places to be shut down please understand that it is not as simple as that.

“Peoples' livelihoods depend on these establishments. Bars are not just a place where people go to do stupid things that they will regret in the morning.

“Bars are places where relationships are built, where people can indulge in music and good conversation, where they can step off the hamster wheel for a few hours and let their mind wander to the places that matter.

“Bars are where people fall in love, they are the places where we go to celebrate the best of times, and where we drown our sorrows in the worst of times.

“Bars are an integral part of the fabric of our culture, Malta’s bar scene has flourished in the past few years and have put Malta on the World map as a destination of excellence, it is not just a matter of shutting down.

“Whilst we are in a lucky position to take a seat at the side lines and strategize, some others are dying.

“So, here’s an appeal to you, when the guidelines are issued, keep a level head and try to play ball as much as possible. The authorities are trying their best to keep all the pint glasses on the tray while they are negotiating their way through this crowded quagmire that is the Pandemic.

“We all need to play our part so that extreme measures don’t have to be taken . With your help establishments can stay open and soon enough we will all be talking about this like a distant memory over a fresh Basil Fawlty.”