The ADPD has warned that tourism should never come before the residents themselves, while also accusing the Malta Tourism Authority of being incompetent in this regard.

This comes following multiple complaints from residents of Valletta after an extension for loud music past 11pm was approved without the consultation of the public.

“Tourism operators must ensure that they do not negatively impact the residential communities amongst which they operate,” ADPD Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said while addressing a press conference in Valletta earlier today. 

“In a small community as ours, this is a basic and integral requirement in order that tourism is sustainable,” he said.

“We are continuously receiving complaints from residents in various localities that a number of entertainment establishments have no respect whatsoever for their neighbours,” emphasised ADPD Spokesperson Marcus Lauri.

“They pump out music at very loud volumes late into the night. This is taking place in various localities not just here in Valletta,” he said.

“The Minister of Tourism does not care less about residents and instead of seeking solutions chose to extend hours in which amplified music is played in Valletta. The problem in Malta is the lack of adequate regulations, and the lack of an enforcement culture,” Lauri added.

“The Police do not have the legal tools to be able to effectively enforce regulations. What we have is the Malta Tourism Authority, which is an incompetent regulator,” he said.

“Tourism Minister Bartolo instead of getting out his enforcement team on the beat to ensure that the operations of catering establishments in Valletta respect its residents succumbed to pressures from the operators and extended the permissible times for loud music from 11pm to 1am.”

“The decision-making process of tourism development should be subjected to more public scrutiny by the community suffering from the impacts which it generates. It is imperative that the views of the community are not only heard but acted upon,” Cacopardo concluded.

Lovin Malta also spoke with a Valletta resident, who shared the realities behind living in such a noisy place.

Do you think the MTA should listen to residents more?