Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1472631
9 EDITORIAL BusinessToday is published every Thursday. The newspaper is a MediaToday publication and is distributed to all leading stationers, business and financial institutions and banks. MANAGING EDITOR: SAVIOUR BALZAN EDITOR: PAUL COCKS BusinessToday, MediaToday, Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann SGN9016, Malta Newsroom email: bt@mediatoday.com.mt Advertising: afarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt Telephone: 00356 21 382741 A couple of months ago this lead- er had commented positively on the public and private investment flowing into Valletta that has changed the capital into a vibrant place. e context back then was the an- nouncement by a publicly listed private company to invest in a luxury shopping complex along Zachary Street. In the presentation to journalists, the directors of the company had spoken of Valletta as a brand in its own right. e capital today is unrecognisable from what it was up to a decade ago when it served as a shopping hub during the day with no life in the evening. is leader had commented in May that the private and public investment is help- ing transform the city in a positive way and this momentum must not be lost. But it also called for attention to be given to "locals and the cultural traditions that make up the complex Valletta tapestry". Roll forward two months and this com- plex tapestry risks being upset by gov- ernment's decision to allow outdoor mu- sic to be played by bars and restaurants in nine Valletta streets until 1am. Apart from extending the outdoor mu- sic cut-off time, the legal notice also ex- tends the opening times of bars, restau- rants and entertainment establishments to 2am. It was not the extended opening time that caused concern among residents but the outdoor music. Although the legal notice makes refer- ence to 'moderate' music between 11pm and 1am, there is no scientific definition of what 'moderate' means. Unfortunate- ly, it will be left up to police officers to de- termine whether complaints by residents are justified or not. It will also be difficult in court to prove that the law was breached, based on an individual's impression of what 'moder- ate' means. is leader reiterates what it said a few weeks ago when the music saga erupted: the Pacevillisation of Valletta risks killing the goose that lays the golden egg, some- thing that no bona fide operator in the capital wants to see. Valletta's revival over the past seven years has seen boutique hotels mush- rooming, restaurants and bars remaining until late, and cultural events that draw the crowds. e capital's nightlife has provided a soberer alternative to other nightspots on the island. But this new lease of life must not be undermined by unbridled change that will neutralise Valletta's uniqueness and in the process anger residents. is change must embrace residents, their concerns and needs, otherwise it risks upsetting the delicate tapestry that will always remain a work in progress. is leader agrees with the position adopted by the Malta Hotels and Restau- rants Association that Valletta should not become another nightclub destination. "[is] should not be the target of an- yone who has at heart the principles of sustainable tourism growth objectives," the association had said. e MHRA also expressed disappoint- ment that government did not consult stakeholders before enacting the legal notice. It insisted that government must en- gage with its members to review policies related to the improvement of Valletta as a quality tourism destination in the wider context of the Malta tourism product. e way Valletta has developed over the years has not allowed for the creation of zoning and entertainment establish- ments sit right below residential apart- ment blocks in narrow streets. is requires clear and balanced rules of cohabitation to ensure residents' well- being is safeguarded, while businesses are allowed to operate and patrons per- mitted to enjoy themselves. Government is best advised to go back to the drawing board and revisit this new policy before it creates further disqui- et among residents and elements of the business community. Disturbing the complex Valletta tapestry 7.7.2022