It has become very evident that a considerable number of foreigners, in particular Sicilians,have set up various cafeterias and restaurants in a number of touristic areas around Malta especially in the areas of St. Julians, Sliema, Valletta and Bugibba. The reason being that with the right of moving freely in the EU these individuals can come over to avoid the current financial crisis being experience in Sicily which is affecting their tourist and business sectors.
On the matter GRTU President Philip Fenech has expressed his concern that the products being sold from these businesses are not obtained from local suppliers but attained from Sicily. It transpires that through this practice these individuals may not necessarily be paying tax in both Malta and Sicily which is a detriment to local business as this creates unfair competition. One must also look into the notion that most of these businesses are employing Sicilians which may perhaps not be registered with appropriate authorities which could also affect the legitimacy of operations.
GRTU urges authorities to carry out regular inspections to monitor any abuse that might be taking place.
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