An announcement on whether bars will be reopening their doors on Monday will be made "by the end of the week", Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo told Times of Ma
The Gozo Tourism Association has hit out at a government decision holding the owners of self-catering properties responsible if the number of people there is fo
Bar owners to receive up to €2,870 in government financial aid scheme
Government announces €2.2 million scheme which will be split among bars who were forced to close down due to the COVID-19 pandemic
29 January 2021, 6:05pm
by Karl Azzopardi
Bars will be receiving a one-time payment of up to €2,870 to cover costs for the period they spent closed down as part of government efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo said in a press conference a sum of €2.2 million will be split between commercial bars, bars that are housed within a club (kazin), and bars owned by clubs.
Tourism accommodation owners will be fined €3,000 if they breach COVID overcrowding rules, Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo said on Friday.
Those renting a farmhouse, apartment, or other types of holiday accommodation who break the rules on large gatherings can also expect to be slapped with €100 fines each.
Bartolo said the government was taking the matter seriously and expected owners of tourism properties to be clear with their clients that the rules must be respected.
Enforcement, he said, will be carried out jointly by the police, inspectors from the Malta Tourism Authority, as well as public health officials.
Video: Matthew Mirabelli
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced owners of holiday rentals must ensure the number of people renting their place is the same as that outlined on their licence.
Restaurants must shut earlier, holiday rentals will be fined for overcrowding and people will be encouraged to stay in their cars on the Gozo ferry as part of new measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Prime Minster Robert Abela announced the restrictions that have been put in place to prevent a spike in virus cases following the traditional carnival holiday weekend.
He also said he wished that schools would postpone the usual two-day holiday until later in the year and that talks were underway. February has to be different this year, he said.
The new restrictions mean restaurants, snack bars and kiosks will shut between 11pm and 6am throughout February while bars will not be allowed to open at all.