POLICY UPDATE FOR CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS

In recent years Malta's catering industry has expanded at a very rapid pace. From around five hundred outlets there are presently no less than double that amount of catering establishments providing restaurant, snack or take away services.

Of these only a few offer traditional Maltese dishes. The Ministry recognises that Maltese cuisine is an integral part of our cultural heritage and that visitors to Malta and Gozo often look for local gastronomic experiences. The Ministry of Tourism is in the process of finalising an incentive package which should be of interest to those who plan to open new or convert existing properties into typical Maltese speciality restaurants.

Close to ten percent of catering outlets are registered as speciality restaurants which offer foreign cuisine. The majority of these provide Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. Not all catering outlets have maintained the desired standards. To further ensure the provision of better fare and service in Asian and Middle Eastern style restaurants the Ministry, through the Hotels and Catering Establishments Board, until further notice will not entertain applications for the issue of work permits for the engagement of Asian and oriental expatriate staff to work in new catering outlets unless the proposed establishment is classified as a first class speciality restaurant.