The Marsascala Shop Owners Association has complained about the way the Malta Tourism Authority, the Lands Department and the police took action to enforce business permits last Friday.

The association said that it received reports that on the day, six to eight police officers walked into establishments in Marsascala to inspect permits with regard to the number of tables that businesses had on the pavement.

The association said that such action gave the impression to customers and passer-bys that “a major criminal offence happened” when, in fact, all the permits were in place.

The association called on responsible persons within the relevant authorities to ensure that such indecent way of treating the tourism industry changes immediately.