Valletta Minority Leader Proposes Fresh Committee To Curb Abuse Of New Music Law
Valletta minority leader Christian Micallef has called for the creation of a committee to restrict establishments from abusing the new and somewhat vague legal notice that allows music to be played at a “moderate” level between 11pm and 1am in certain streets.
“It’s time for the government to show some sense of humility, respect, and goodwill to those suffering from this situation and ensure that law enforcement takes place properly,” Micallef urged.
“Let’s all admit that there are people who continue to abuse the law. Between 11pm and 1am the music played is not moderate at all.”
This is not the first time Micallef has spoken out against the implementation of this new rule; he’s previously pointed out that it denotes the government’s lack of regard to Valletta residents, namely the sick and elderly.
Now, however, he’s not merely criticising the legal notice, but suggesting some effective means to ensure that rules are not breached or taken advantage of.
He’s calling for the government to “stop being arrogant” and set up a committee or task force that would be responsible for moderating the law and coming up with proposals to “increase enforcement and reduce abuse”
Such a committee should be composed of representatives from both PL and PN, different business sectors (like boutique hotels and other establishments), the Lands Department, the police, and Transport Malta.
Beside the issue of noise, Micallef highlighted the need for the committee to oversee and safeguard the spaces occupied by table and chairs, the waste “being dumped at random”, and the general “identity of the capital city and its residents”.
He further pointed out that the government failed to consult Valletta residents and simply ignored what they had to say.
A legal notice issued this month states that music can be played until 1am in establishments located in Merchants Street, Old Bakery Street, Old Theatre Street, Republic Street, South Street, St Lucia Street, and Strait Street, up from 11pm.
Establishments in Archbishop Street and Saint Ursula Street were later also added to this list.
However, they must make sure that the volume is kept at a “moderate level” between the hours of 11pm and 1am.
Speaking to Lovin Malta, Micallef specifically pointed out the need for clarity regarding what would classify as a ‘moderate’ level of noise since it isn’t defined in terms of decibels in the law.
Ultimately, Micallef is calling for increased cooperation with different voices from diverse political parties, relevant business sectors, and city residents.
“So let us all show a little humility and respect for each other, we may agree to disagree, but we should at least decide on the way to proceed in everyone’s best interests.”
Do you think a regulatory committee should be set up?
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