Public Collections
I would like to draw your attention to the provisions of the Public Collections Act, Chapter 279 of the Laws of Malta, whereby public collections have to be licensed in terms of that Act - vide copy of Chapter 279 attached to this circular.
More recently, the Voluntary Organisations Act, 2007 Chapter 492 of the Laws of Malta, provides in article 4(2) that notwithstanding the provisions of the Public Collections Act, a voluntary organisation enrolled in terms of the Voluntary Organisations Act may make public collections without any further authorisation in accordance with applicable laws or any guidelines which may be issued by the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations. A copy of the Voluntary Organisations Act is also attached to this Circular.
This means that public calls for funds or donations, or any advertisement for such calls on behalf of individuals or organisations, made on your station must either be licensed by the Police or be made by a voluntary organisation certified with the Commissioner. Where neither of these provisions apply such calls are in violation of the law.
Dr Kevin Aquilina
Chief Executive
30th April 2008