‘It shouldn’t just be restaurants and bars’ – catering association head on need for better Valletta retail mix

President of the Association of Catering Establishments Michelle Muscat has stressed the need for a better mix of restaurants and retail options in Valletta, while highlighting the choice landlords are making in terms of permit types.

Earlier this year, President of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association Tony Zahra had highlighted his wish to see Valletta turned into a luxury shopping destination. Over the years a number of retail establishments in the capital closed or moved out, and although some were replaced, the number of bars, cafes and restaurants in the city has grown significantly.

During an interview with WhosWho.mt, Ms Muscat said that in the past Valletta was more of a retail hub. “Most people used to go to Valletta to shop,” she said.

Nowadays, she said that aside from shoppers being able to purchase whatever they want from anywhere and shopping malls having popped up across the island, “landlords mainly in Valletta have been turning their outlets into catering establishment permits instead of retail, because they can charge higher rents for catering establishments. Landlords can charge up to €800 per day.”

Asked whether she believes long-term this situation will have a negative impact on Valletta, she said that unless more retail establishments return to Valletta, it will.

“It shouldn’t just be restaurants, bars and cafes. Every capital city needs a mix. It should be a balance.”