The right to sleep

The right to sleep cannot be sacrificed for unchecked commercial activity, argues Albert Buttigieg. Without a good restful sleep, one cannot lead a healthy life.

Credit: zamrznutitonovi / Envato.com

Malta is a vibrant Mediterranean island fiercely proud of its roots, traditions and culture.

However, an increasing number of residents are frustrated by excessive commercial noise. Such noise is not only disturbing their daily lives and their well-being but is undermining their right to a decent night’s sleep, which is one’s fundamental right. Without a good restful sleep, one cannot lead a healthy life and this most often leads to other physical, psychological and social ailments.

It is pertinent to distinguish between ‘commercial noise’ and ‘cultural noise’, so as to avoid any misunderstanding.

My understanding of ‘cultural noise’ is noise stemming from various traditional and cultural events, such as our annual village feasts, band marches, fireworks and bells ringing. Such noise is widely accepted as a central part of our national identity and heritage.

Without such events, Malta is not the same. While such events should be protected from excesses that risk diluting their true spirit and significance, these celebrations, beyond their religious connotations, bring our communities together and promote social cohesion.

‘Commercial noise’, by contrast, arises from activities such as open-air clubs and lidos, bars with outdoor setups featuring amplified music, rowdy tenants and large-scale street events. Unlike ‘cultural noise’, commercial noise persists throughout the year, continues late into the night and may occur beneath one’s own balcony. At such close proximity, one’s night rapidly turns into a nightmare. Residents residing in Swieqi, Sliema, Gżira, St Julian’s and Valletta can attest to such daily ordeals.

While economic activity is vital and should be encouraged as it creates employment and contributes to our GDP, such development, if pursued without forward-looking planning, cannot be justified at the expense of the sanity of residents’ well-being or the common good.

Regrettably, this delicate balance is not being safeguarded. The Labour government is, in fact, further enabling the problem by refusing to define in law what constitutes objectively excessive noise. Instead, it continues to distinguish between ‘noise’ and ‘nuisance’. Without a clear objective definition, excessive noise remains a subjective matter – what disturbs one person may be music to another. This ambiguity ultimately undermines effective enforcement.

The fact of the matter is that both the Lands Authority and the Planning Authority are part of the current problem. These entities must stop granting permits for commercial outlets in residential areas, particularly when such establishments later seek to extend their operations through outdoor seating. Without clear holistic planning and effective enforcement, residents remain vulnerable to the cumulative impact of these activities.

From my own experience during my tenure as mayor of St Julian’s and as an MP, I firmly believe that we urgently need a holistic and a realistic national strategy for noise management, in line with EU Directive 2002/49/EC. While a framework may exist on paper, it remains largely ineffective in practice. What is lacking is not policy but the political will to implement it decisively.

All stakeholders – businesspeople, environmental groups, urban planners, local councils and residents – must be brought together to chart a clear and workable way forward. This process should establish a precise definition of excessive noise and set enforceable limits, including clear parameters for timing, volume and location. Achieving this will require genuine compromise from all sides.

It is within this context that, during a recent parliamentary debate, I proposed the establishment of a one-stop-shop regulatory authority to oversee all issues pertaining to such activities. At present, responsibility is fragmented across multiple state entities including the Trade Department, the Malta Tourism Authority, the police, the Lands Authority and the Planning Authority.

Regrettably, when residents flag concerns about noise and enforcement, these entities too often end up shifting responsibility onto one another. This leaves residents feeling disillusioned and frustrated, particularly when they are bluntly told that these things are to be expected in such areas and that they should either accept the situation or move elsewhere.

A single regulatory authority, operating under one ministry, would ensure clarity, accountability, coordination and the consistent enforcement of impartial policies.

Continuous sleep disruption caused by uncontrolled noise levels can lead to stress, anxiety, depression and other health issues. If we truly care about mental health, then it is time to move from words to action. Residents’ rights should not be misinterpreted as an attempt to stifle economic activity but recognised for what they are: a matter of public health, social justice and sustainable development.

Achieving this balance in a small, densely populated island is not optional but essential.

Ultimately, the principle is clear: we have a right to sleep.

(This article was published on Times of Malta – 1 May, 2026)