The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) has urged a national debate on the impact of substance abuse in workplaces, warning that employers are being left to shoulder the problem without adequate support from authorities.

The industry body said that while education is important, it is not enough. Employers already carry heavy legal responsibilities for health and safety, and MHRA argues they need enforcement tools and backing to protect staff, guests, and the wider community.

The call comes in the wake of controversy over random roadside drug testing. A cannabis lobby recently argued that such checks could affect over 60,000 users in Malta, insisting that the presence of drugs in saliva does not necessarily mean impairment. MHRA noted that similar claims are surfacing around workplaces, even though substance use outside of work can spill over and cause issues on the job.

“Substance abuse is the elephant in the room in workplaces,” MHRA said, warning that even a few cases can damage productivity, safety, and service quality. In industries like hospitality and tourism, where employees are central to the guest experience, the ripple effects can be wide-reaching.

The association stressed that safe workplaces, strong service standards, and community wellbeing are essential for sustainable tourism growth. While acknowledging that most employees are responsible, MHRA said substance misuse by a minority threatens to undermine progress, and that it is time for all stakeholders to confront the issue head-on.