The scheme to collect plastic bottles is seen more of a burden rather than a contribution, the president of the Association of Catering Establishments said, adding however that by ensuring a more efficient service, the cultural change that is required will gradually be achieved.

Interviewed by The Malta Independent, ACE president Michelle Muscat said space was and will remain an issue for most catering establishments especially in view of the way plastic bottles must be stored and the storage size available.

"ACE insists on the need for more frequent collection especially during the summer period and the festive season so as to avoid unnecessary logistical issues," she said.

Back in November, a Sliema bar owner had told reporters that his business was making a yearly total loss of approximately €4,000 to the BCRS scheme due to fines, unreturned deposits and allegedly high bag charges. In view of the fact that the ACE includes such small catering establishments under its umbrella, Muscat was asked if this was a common situation.

"Such cases are not the norm yet no matter how sporadic such cases are, the outlets affected form part of our industry and thus still have a direct and indirect effect on the catering sector at large," she replied

Recently, BCRS CEO Alan Meilak acknowledged that the scheme is a "nightmare" for catering establishments. Asked about this, Muscat noted that "in terms of culture change, we must admit that this is a new modus operandi thus necessitating adaptation from both the industry but also from the man in the street." As things stand, "it is still seen as a burden rather than a contribution towards a better Malta... [but] slowly, gradually and by ensuring a more efficient BCRS, this cultural adaptation will happen".

Last October, ACE had expressed outrage at BCRS circulating an email amongst its business clients informing them that, should recyclables beyond the scope of BCRS be sent, they would not be refunded and would face an additional fine. Asked for comment, Muscat said, "whilst we do expect BCRS to be reasonable in its measures so as to minimise its impact on catering establishments, we do understand that the industry must co-operate by sending only what is authorised."

"Abuse of the system is never acceptable and we do understand that in such cases measures need to be taken. On the other hand, we feel that at times communication from BCRS can be better so as to avoid misunderstandings or misinformation," she said.

Despite a shaky start to the working relationship between the ACE and BCRS, Muscat appears optimistic. "As has always been noted from our end, ACE is committed to contribute towards the government's 2030 green targets. There are several operational issues which we have on various occasions voiced that make BCRS a challenge for a number of establishments. Yet we must acknowledge the fact that progress has been made and we are positive that ongoing discussions with BCRS will address such issues."

Over-saturation and skills pass

One issue that has raised concerns is the over-saturation of the catering industry, with exponents of both political parties in agreement that there are too many restaurants, particularly with a rise from 3,100 establishments in 2022 to over 4,000 in 2024.

Asked about this, Muscat said that "whether the queue is full of office workers waiting to place an order at a busy lunch spot, families are waiting to get seated at a casual dining establishment, or people having a quick coffee in any corner shop, consumer demand remains very strong which explains why people keep on investing in the industry and which clearly explains the number of registered catering establishments. This reality comes at a price where the industry is experiencing much of the same, and there are too many hands eating from the same pie."

With such apparent high demand that requires an increased workforce, Muscat was asked about any improvements with regards to the implementation of the Skills Pass Initiative which the ACE had previously said, "excessively burdened the industry."

"ACE reiterates that the concept is good as the need for a quality labour force is a must. We have always expressed reservations on the modality of its implementation. And its financial impact on all parties involved." On the other hand, "the need for a quality labour force is necessary for the industry to make the necessary leap forward. It is necessary given the reality of a labour force shortage and the inevitable need to import human resources. We are still confident that that the Skills Pass will in the long run contribute to a better work force in catering," she said.

Muscat was asked if the ACE was concerned about the future of the local hospitality workforce following the Malta Union of Teachers declaring a trade dispute on ITS (the Institute of Tourism Studies) at the beginning of December. "Unions have a right to order industrial action to defend their workers. That is a right which cannot be contested. However, as in any other industrial dispute, common sense must prevail and all parties must safeguard the interest of those affected by such industrial action. In this case, we need to keep in mind that there is the interest of our future workforce at stake," she replied.

From Bartolo to Borg

Muscat said that the handing over of the Ministry of Tourism to Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg was a "good choice" in view of his recent performance, such as chairing the OSCE.

Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo resigned after news reports that his wife had taken a €50,000 kickback from a Malta Tourism Authority deal. Previously, Bartolo and Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri had been found to have abused their power when Bartolo's then-girlfriend Amanda Muscat had been given a job she had no qualifications for, and did not do, by the Standards Commissioner Joseph Azzopardi. The tourism portfolio was passed on to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ian Borg.

"I believe there is no playbook for how to deal with any scandal. Irrespective of how the matter has been handled, the industry cannot afford to cry on its sorrows. It has to move on and look ahead to ensure stability, sustainability and above all growth. And in this context of what the industry needs to achieve in the coming years, I feel it was opportune and wise to entrust the tourism sector in the hands of Ian Borg," she said.

"He has performed in every Ministerial role assigned to him including his role as Chair-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and we are confident that he is the right person to lead the industry in such challenging times," she said.

Consumer trends

Just under a year ago the ACE had reported an increased customer footfall to catering establishments, albeit at a lower average expenditure per customer, thus slowing business. Coming to present day, Muscat said that a similar situation is expected this season explaining. "Consumer trends have changed, habits have changed, and choice of food has changed. Moreover, one cannot disregard the impact of inflation."

Furthermore, she noted that more people are opting to order-out to their homes over a sit-down meal in a restaurant. "We believe that this is a consequence of COVID-19. People have become accustomed to the idea of staying home comfortably and food being delivered to their doorstep, although eating out still will remain the top option for a dining experience." When asked if this is beneficial for the catering industry she replied: "Whether this has a positive impact or not depends entirely on the nature of the catering establishment itself."