Local Café Owner Wins €160K in Dispute
Local Business Owner Wins €160,000 in Dispute with Steward Services
Imagine running a bustling café in the heart of Malta’s capital, Valletta. You’ve got tourists and locals alike queuing up for your famous pastizzi, but suddenly, you’re hit with a bill for €160,000 for security and clerical services you never asked for. This was the reality for local businessman, Joe Borg, owner of the popular ‘Pastizzi Joe’s’ on South Street.
The Unexpected Invoice
Borg received an invoice from a steward services company, claiming he had agreed to their services. The bill? A staggering €160,000. “I was shocked,” Borg recalls, “I’ve never heard of this company, and I certainly didn’t agree to any such services.”
The Legal Battle
Borg decided to fight back. He engaged local law firm, Mamo TCV Advocates, who took up his case pro bono. The firm’s partner, Dr. Joseph Giglio, explained, “We saw this as a David and Goliath situation. A small business owner being taken advantage of by a larger corporation.”
The case went to court, with Borg arguing he had never agreed to the services. The steward services company, on the other hand, claimed they had an oral agreement. However, as the case progressed, it became clear that the company had no evidence to support their claims.
After a lengthy legal battle, the court ruled in Borg’s favor. The judge stated, “There was no evidence presented that an agreement was ever made between the parties.” The steward services company was ordered to pay Borg €160,000 in damages.
Lessons Learned
Borg’s victory sends a strong message to businesses in Malta. “Always get things in writing,” Borg advises. “Don’t rely on oral agreements, especially when dealing with large sums of money.” Dr. Giglio echoes this, “This case serves as a reminder for businesses to always ensure they have a solid contract in place before engaging in any services.”
As for Borg, he’s back to serving his famous pastizzi, with a newfound appreciation for the power of a well-crafted contract. “I’m just glad this is over,” he says, “Now, I can focus on what I do best – feeding Malta’s appetite for pastizzi.”
