Update 3 | Amended rules will exempt shop signs from permit, licencing requirements

A new legal notice pertaining to billboards and advertisements exempts shops from requiring planning permission or a Transport Malta license for signage on the facade of their premises, the Planning Authority said today.

The legal notice, the PA said, does not change the law with regards to exemptions for a shop from requiring planning permission on displayed signage on its facade provided that it is not more than 0.5 square metres in area, is fitted flat against the facade and there are not more than two such advertisements per shop. This means that the legal notice does not change the way shop signage is regulated.

The GRTU however pointed out that the size requirement meant that nearly all shop signage and any other advertising would need to undergo procedures through the PA and be subject to respective fees emanating from this law which also include €1,500 yearly fees per sign/advert to Transport Malta. Non-compliance may lead to fines of up to €5,000.

"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," the GRTU added.

The confusion surrounding the recently amended legal notice prompted the government to issue a statement reconfirming that shop owners will not need apply for a permit or licence.

“The license fee only applies to billboards as defined by Legal Notice 103,” the government said.

It went on to add that the legal notice will be amended with the necessary clarifications to better reflect this decision. Parliamentary secretary for planning Deborah Schembri is holding meetings with stakeholders. 

The Planning Authority earlier said that the legal notice clearly specified that while it is necessary that all applications for advertisements, including billboards, are submitted to and be processed by the Planning Authority with clearance from Transport Malta, this is not the case for shop signs. This exemption also applies to the yearly fee Transport Malta shall be collecting from every licensed billboard or signage. 

The PA went on to add that the shop is clearly defined as premises intended for the retail sale or display of goods or services, where the sale or display of goods or services is principally to visiting members of the public.

The GRTU said it was gravely concerned by 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 April 16 at 4pm at the MFCC, Ta’ Qali.