The kiosk which was set up overnight in La Valette Square in Valletta should not have been allowed there, according to Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli.

A permit was issued by the Malta Arts Council for this and other kiosks to be set up for the duration of the Carnival activities. The council this morning asked the owner to remove the kiosk as his interpretation of where it could be set up was wrong.

“It is unacceptable that a kiosk is placed there and given a permit to operate,” Mr Dingli said.

The Malta Arts Council has been contacted by The Malta Independent for their comments and, in their reply, said that as is customary during the five days of carnival designated areas are set up for stalls to be put in place.

The designated areas are agreed upon by the Arts Council and the Valletta Local Council.

Aparently an operator interpreted the word stall as meaning "kiosk" which is of course not the case.  Furthermore he arbitrarily decided to place the kiosk exactly near the monument.

Orders have been issued for the kiosk to be removed altogether from the square, the couuncil said.