For the first time Malta will have security stewards in a regulated manner at places where sports events are held, these stewards will complement the work of Police officers, who will now be able to focus more on their main duties with the aim of making Maltese and Gozitan families increasingly safe.
This is through a new law which will lead to trained and licensed persons being able to provide their service. This regulatory framework not only introduces these stewards, but also entrusts the Police force, to license both the agencies of these security stewards and the stewards themselves. This together with the license disqualification criteria and duties and obligations for both agencies and security stewards.
Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri explained that, “This is a change that achieves different aims. On the one hand we are modernizing security systems where sporting events take place, by introducing systems which in other countries have long been in use. On the other hand, we are continuing to make changes through which the Police force focuses on what is most expected of it, the prevention of crime, law enforcement and the maintenance of order. In this way local sports facilities are adopting stewards systems similar to one finds at international sports events. Naturally, the experience gained by the police over the years will be offered to the sports administration.”
The role of these stewards will be, among others, to control access to sports venues and use electronic equipment to check spectators for dangerous or prohibited items, monitoring for any risk of security or threats while assisting the Police as necessary. The aim of introducing these stewards is also to assist in order and security.
Before one can apply to be awarded the security steward license one must have successfully completed a training course which is recognized by the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS) and approved by the Police force.
Malta’s sporting community deserves respect and protection. Therefore, these reforms also introduce stronger measures to deter and penalize those who engage in violence, hate speech, or misconduct. Those breaching public policy laws will also face, apart from the charges found in the criminal code, other serious consequences, including:
- Higher fines for offenses committed in sports venues, ranging from €500 to €5,000.
- Mandatory prohibition from attending sporting events for a period between six months and five years.
