“In recent weeks, a private citizen took the innovative step of applying for permission from the Lands Authority to revert a public pavement back to its original use after being taken over by restaurant tables and chairs,” the group wrote on social media

“It is disappointing that a private citizen felt she had no other option but to apply for permission and even offer to pay to be able to freely use the pavement after this was occupied illegally. No resident should have to apply, let alone pay, to freely and safely use a vital public space such as a pavement.”

“We seem to have reached new levels of absurdity, in which businesses brazenly break the law without any consequences, while a private citizen’s desperate attempt to preserve public space is refused by the same authority that should be safeguarding the public’s rights in the first place.”

“On a near-daily basis, we are seeing public pavements, streets, as well as the shoreline being taken over by restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues, whose sole purpose is to safeguard and increase their profits. The giving away of public land by the government to the private sector, whether it is done through legal encroachment concessions or taken illegally, must be stopped.”

“Moviment Graffitti demands that the state ensures and protects the public’s fundamental right to free and safe access and enjoyment of public spaces around the country.”

Sliema resident Annamaria Baldacchino applied for permission to take up public land that is currently occupied by Gourmet Cocktail Bar & Grill’s illegal outdoor seating, according to the Times of Malta.

She wants to return the area to its rightful use as a public pavement as the restaurant has been occupying the space for years. Baldacchino even admitted to being willing to pay encroachment concessions.

Baldacchino and other residents have been involved in legal battles against the establishment for a while, so she decided to combat the issue unconventionally.

And now, she has the support of one of Malta’s most prominent activist groups.

Do you think that she should be allowed to take up this area of land?