The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association expressed backing for the enforcement measures carried out on Thursday by the Malta Tourism Authority and the police against outlets which are not licensed to sell alcohol by the bottle.

Both the police and MTA, it said, should be congratulated for their work. The issue revolves around a legal notice issued recently which prevents shops selling alcohol after 9pm.

The MHRA said it believed in enforcement at all levels and in all sectors to protect and ensure a level playing field for all commercial establishments which make a living from the tourism industry. This enforcement also protected the public in receiving value for money and due service. Rampant abuse of laws was not acceptable since this leads to situations which damage the image of the product, whether in its material or service aspect. It said it would like to see more enforcement on littering, lack of display of prices and the protection of minors from various practices of abuse.

The MHRA added it would now like to see the enforcement section of the Trade Department follow suit and bring to book those outlets licensed under its authority who are in breach of the law selling alcohol by the bottle after 9pm.

It also recommended that the judiciary should adopt a uniform and tough stance against those who act in breach of the law, especially where minors are concerned. “The penalties dealt out by the courts should reflect the seriousness of the offence,” the MHRA said.