Cafeteria extends tables across Pjazza Teatru Rjal's steps, leaving locals confused
The theatre is a national monument.
Following Friday's reopening of restaurants across the island, one Valletta establishment came up with an interesting way to respect social distancing measures while operating at near-full capacity.
A picture of the Pjazza Teatru Rjal steps laid out with tables was shared to Facebook by local group Belt Valletta with the caption: "The steps at Teatru Rjal are occupied too. With tables of course."
Locals and residents were shocked by this sight, with several pointing out that the area is public land and such a move illegal.
One man drew parallels with other struggling shop owners in his comment to the post: "Some of us save up for years to buy a tiny shop or store in a non-prime location as that's all we can afford as it doesn't even cross our mind that we can just take a public area and consider it our business premises. Or is that what we should all we doing?" he questioned.
The tables are believed to belong to the theatre's in-built coffee shop Cafe Teatro.
Do you think the establishment should be permitted to carry out their business on the theatre steps?