Action in St George's Square in Victoria, Gozo was taken on Thursday morning to ensure that the tables and chairs are placed within the confines of the existing masterplan, the government has said in a statement.

"This action occurred through coordination between the Planning Authority, the Lands Authority, the police and the Malta Tourism Authority," it added.

The Archpriest of St George's Basilica, Victoria, had earlier this year taken to Facebook to express his frustration that public land of St George's Square had been "seized" and blocked by tables and chairs of nearby shop owners in the area. Last month, St. George's Basilica, cultural societies like Soċjetà Filarmonika La Stella and il-Ħaġar museum (Belt Victoria Foundation), joined forces with activists from Moviment Graffitti, Għawdix, Din l-Art Ħelwa - Għawdex and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar for a Press Conference in St. George's Square in Rabat, Gozo to speak up against the tables and chairs land grab in the square.

The government, in its statement on Thursday, said that in the coming weeks there will be more coordinated enforcement between these entities, "and if needed other entities will be included, to find the balance that is so needed with regard to tables and chairs placed in outside spaces and regarding the use of public spaces for commercial aims."

The Ombudsman and Commissioner for Environment and Planning welcome operation 

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon, and the Commissioner for Environment and Planning, Perit Alan Saliba welcomed the operation to restore order in St George's Square, "so that outdoor occupation of the square does not exceed the approved 111 square metres in concessions," a spokesperson for their office said.

"On 13th June 2024, the Commissioner for Environment and Planning had written to the Commissioner of Police to take immediate action with the assistance of the authorities responsible for regulating and enforcing the use of outside tables and chairs by catering establishments. The Office of the Ombudsman has been actively addressing the concerns arising from the lack of enforcement of outdoor dining regulations. The Ombudsman and the Commissioner for Environment and Planning appeal for long-term solutions to enforce regulations on outside tables and chairs," the spokesperson said.