Press Release: Malta Chamber of SMEs welcomes launch of direct flights to New York
17 September 2025
The Malta Chamber of SMEs welcomes the positive news that direct flights between Malta International...
Shop Signage NOT Exempt from Requiring Planning Permission and License, Unless Below 0.5m2
15 April 2016
Contrary to the impression given by a media release issued by the Planning Authority earlier today 15th April 2016, entitled ‘SHOP SIGNAGE EXEMPT FROM REQUIRING PLANNING PERMISSION AND LICENSE’, GRTU clarifies that the new LN103/2016 implies that any such signage which is not under 0.5 square metre in size falls within the remit of the new law.
In practice this means that nearly all shop signage and any other advertising would need to undergo procedures through MEPA and be subject to respective fees emanating from this law which also include Eur1500 yearly fees per sign/advert to Transport Malta. Non-compliance may lead to fines of up to Eur5000.
Businesses in the signage sector have reported a sudden halt of sales and cancellation of orders. The retail sector is also strongly alarmed by the situation.
GRTU remains gravely concerned on the implementation and repercussions of this law. GRTU’s position remains that the law should be repealed in its entirety with immediate effect.
Following heavy protest raised by the GRTU, the Government has today approached GRTU to discuss a way forward.
GRTU is organising a general meeting for all businesses tomorrow Saturday 16th April at 16:00hrs at the MFCC, Ta’ Qali.
