MTA Officers Assaulted

As was reported in the press, MTA Regulatory Officers were assaulted in the course of their duty. Unfortunately this is not a one-off event but, has also happened in the past and been overlooked by the media and general public.

On the July 25, 2007, Mr Andre’ Zammit and Mr Jonathan Cuschieri Regulatory Officers with the MTA, were serving, Enforcement Notices to establishments in Paceville, due to changes in the genre of their business. Namely the establishments in question had changed from a bar to a “bottle shop” or “confectionery”; without applying for the necessary permits. A “bottle shop” or “confectionery” allows them to sell “whole” bottles of alcohol rather than sold by measure as in a bar.

A particular operator aggrieved and assaulted the Officials who managed to escape without grievous injuries by sheer luck and through the timely intervention of the Police.

The offender in question initiated legal proceedings to try and procure an Inhibition Order, as the offender was claiming that the MTA had no right to close him down. On the August 24 Magistrate Abigail Lofaro turned down the appeal and in view of this the shop concerned was closed down once again. The offender is also appealing to the MTA board to have the injunction revoked; said hearing is scheduled for the 4th September.

Superintendent Sharon Tanti is leading the investigations, to compile the case, as criminal charges are being pressed against the offender. The date for the hearing is still unknown.

Most all Tourism Stakeholder organizations have openly condemned this latest assault on MTA Regulatory Officials.

MTA Chairman Mr Sam Mifsud said that, “The MTA has zero tolerance for any such behaviour directed against our Regulatory Officers. These dedicated people are responsible for curbing abuses, enforcing regulations and ensuring that the quality of our tourism product offer keeps on improving. We will do everything in our power at law to guarantee our officers’ safety and prosecute wherever applicable”.