Subway closes its Sliema outlet

by a staff reporter

Subway, the second largest franchise in the world with over 14,300 stores in 73 countries, has permanently closed its outlet on the Tigné Seafront in Sliema. A company statement said that Subway will maintain its operations out of its St Julian's outlet until another location in Sliema is found and the franchise continues with its development programme in Malta and Gozo.

The statement said that the shop at Tigné Seafront had been plagued with problems stemming from the fact that the entrance to the shop is an illegal structure and was rented to Subway Malta by its lessor, as such and without this irregularity being disclosed. An enforcement order by the Planning Authority to remove this illegal structure had been issued. Efforts have been made to sanction the structure as has been the case with neighbouring establishments that were faced with the same problem. Subway said that another American fast food franchise, located 20 metres down the road, was one such establishment that was successful in getting their entrance sanctioned via a re-alignment of the building line.

The enforcement order at Subway is also the reason why the Sliema outlet was forced to close for two months last October and November, as well as why Subway was not permitted to place their tables and chairs outside on the pavement like all other neighbouring cafes and restaurants.