There are a total 68 public encroachments for tables and chairs across Sliema and Gzira, Lands Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi told Parliament on Monday.
The bulk of the encroachments are located along the seafront in Triq ix-Xatt, which spans across both localities.
The minister was answering a question by PN MP Albert Buttigieg and said that 22 encroachments were situated in Gzira, with the remaining 46 in Sliema.
Last week, Zrinzo Azzopardi declined to disclose encroachments, citing the Lands Authority’s policy of not authorising the publication of private operators’ details. However, on Monday, the minister clarified that the initial parliamentary question specifically sought information about private operators.
He said that additional encroachments – over and above the 68 for the tables and chairs – comprise ticket booths, water dispensers, BCRS machines, and substations.
Public discontent regarding businesses encroaching on public spaces has surged recently, highlighting perceived regulatory failures by authorities. In April, residents and activists took direct action by occupying tables and chairs belonging to the restaurants in question.
Movement Graffitti, a key player in the campaign against land grabs, announced that residents in various localities opted to use stickers to mark encroached public spaces.
