HSBC and Bank of Valletta have agreed with GRTU’s Philip Fenech that bartenders and restaurant owners will get a double float to tide them over during the euro changeover.

As the date for the euro changeover draws near, the bartenders are concerned they will have to deal with two currencies at the same time, thus requiring them to have a double float, at least for the first days of the euro changeover.

However, each application will be assessed on an individual basis, Mr Fenech said.

Negotiations are also being held with the two other banks in Malta.

Following other representations made, bartenders will not be obliged to give euro coins as change on New Year’s Eve, but must do so as from the next day.

GRTU has also succeeded in persuading NECC to hold additional courses for bartenders and similar staff at their place of work. From now till euro changeover day, staff will have small training sessions to get used to the new currency.

Such courses had already been held by NECC for bar staff but GRTU has now persuaded NECC officials to train people at their place of work. Staff from nearby bars and restaurants can also join in thus avoiding the need to go somewhere else for their training.