The Association of Catering Establishments (ACE) in a statement on Tuesday evening said that “illegal activity is damaging, the economy and the health of our population.

It reiterated that the “majority of Catering Establishments have been following the anti-Covid-19 measures throughout the last year. The establishments have been hit hard by the pandemic.”

According to ACE, as stated on previous occasions, “here is no scientific evidence that there are widespread cases deriving from restaurants. Nevertheless, on various occasions the establishments had to carry the sacrifice due to irresponsible activity of certain persons.”

It noted that it was thanks to the collaboration with Government most establishments managed to remain open and retain employees. “The sacrifice from owners and employees to keep floating is an extremely laudable one.”

“Bars and clubs have been suffering even more due to the extended closure order which has now lasted for a number of months,” it said. “Although one appreciates Government’s financial assistance it is definitely far from enough to cover the expenses and losses incurred.”

ACE stated that “the selfish few engaging in mass activities in places without licences for such activities including, but not limited to private households, are jeopardising all the sacrifices and efforts done by the majority of the residents in Malta.”

It argued that “other irresponsible persons have engaged in similar activities behind closed doors as reported on various occasions.”

The ACE called on the Authorities to engage into an “even more pro-active enforcement to ensure that mass activities as seen last weekend and in the weekend after Carnival do not put the entire population at risk.”

“People should realise that defeating in any way the rules will be self defeating in the longer term,” it said.

ACE went on to say that “the non-issuing of refunds by certain accommodation establishments for the bookings during carnival in Gozo, has led to apparent adherence to rules during Carnival weekend, which in reality was a postponement of the problem to the following weekend.”

“It is time for some people to give account of and take responsibility of their irresponsible actions,” ACE concluded.

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