Festival-related permits can now be obtained through a new platform
A new initiative has been launched that will offer a One-Stop-Shop service to voluntary organisations and all people involved in the organisation of traditional festivals. It was launched by the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government together with the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment.
The process of obtaining all festival-related permits will be simplified through a new platform – an initiative that was born during a public meeting held towards the end of 2024. During this meeting members of the festival-related community complained that the process of obtaining permits had become increasingly complicated, involving several separate entities. In response to this the Government decided to develop and implement a One-Stop-Shop service that will facilitate the process and enable voluntary organisations to coordinate the fiestas more efficiently.
At this stage the process will be limited to obtaining permits for all matters related to festas, with the exception of the pyrotechnic aspect which will be linked to a subsequent stage of the reform.
Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, stated: “This Government has always made a point of listening to what the general public has to say. This initiative is further proof of the importance we place on stakeholder feedback. Just a few months after our first meeting we have conducted all the necessary research and work and invested in a solution that will make the lives of these organisations easier.
“We did not act alone. Rather, we have made every effort to consult extensively with all stakeholders to ensure that we deliver the best possible solutions. We are now looking forward to seeing the benefits of this new platform as we all enjoy a more efficient process so that festivities can proceed safely and smoothly,” concluded Minister Bonnici.
Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Byron Camilleri, said that festivities in towns and villages are one of the most beautiful things that make us Maltese. Therefore, as a Government – as we have always done – we are standing shoulder to shoulder with festival volunteers.
This One-Stop-Shop we are announcing today can be said to have been designed by you: it is the fruit of the dialogue that we had with you as a Government and from which this idea emerged. This also reflects reflects current changes in how the Police Force operates. Today the Police are seen close to where we live and work. We no longer find them only in specific places such as police stations. We have also introduced, for example, the Community Police. We are also seeing Police services offered online as well. This shows how our vision for a Police Force closer to the people is being implemented and this One-Stop-Shop is another link in a chain of more accessible and better services that we are offering today,” concluded Minister Camilleri.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, welcomed the contribution that Local Councils will be making through the permit system in order to facilitate this process in a more efficient manner. She also thanked the Local Government Division and the Ministries and departments concerned for their commitment in making this online system possible.
This One-Stop-Shop is the fruit of collaboration between the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government and the Ministry Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment. Among the stakeholders who formed part of the consultation process were the Malta Police Force, representatives of Local Government and experts in festival logistics.
Following these meetings, work began to improve the platform https://localpermits.gov.mt so that festival organisers can apply for the necessary permits and upload the required documents from a single platform. Once submitted, applications are processed efficiently to grant the required approvals in a timely manner.
The first phase of the project covers permits for road closures as well as assistance from the police and wardens for band marches, holiday decorations and related activities.
Mary Ann Cauchi, COO for Funds and Strategy at Arts Council Malta, said: “The festivals taking place in the towns and villages of Malta and Gozo offer an invitation to all members of the community to actively participate in various forms of artistic expression. Through the Council’s Strategy we have an ambitious plan so that all those who work to strengthen and preserve these traditions receive the necessary support to continue to do so in a sustainable manner. The platform being launched today represents another important step in prioritising community-based culture while offering long-term practical assistance”
Access to the platform is open to legal representatives of the voluntary entities concerned. They can log in to the system via their e-ID credentials. The application process is sequential and guided to facilitate use. Information and training sessions will also be organised to help users become more familiar with the system while encouraging smooth adoption.
For more information visit www.servizz.gov or call freephone 153.
