From WPS93 Carol Fabri

Reference is made to Mario Desira’s letter entitled “No smoking without fire” (TMIS, 2 September).

It seems that Mr Desira is unaware of the hundreds of checks the police carry out in the places of entertainment in Paceville, the prevention, and the action they take, and how they restore public order day in day out in this locality.

On the other hand, one must appreciate that the police cannot be in all the places at the same time. Although they are present the whole week in Paceville, police presence is intensified at weekends. However, in order for the law to be more effective, apart from the police the co-operation of various other entities including establishment owners and also the public in general is also necessary.

Moreover, offences in Paceville do not revolve solely around smoking in public places but also the selling of alcohol to minors, the carrying of glass containers, the presence of minors in places of entertainment, drug abuse and traffic infringements just to name a few.

Since Mr Desira focused his letter on smoking in public places, it is worth mentioning that since the introduction of the smoking in public places regulations in October 2004 until July 2007, the police have booked 1,768 individuals.

Carol Fabri

f/Commissioner of Police