Roneel Sami, president of Nadi’s nightclub operators and owner of Ice-Bar Nadi, has called for a thorough reassessment of current nightclub regulations to enhance patron safety. This plea comes in light of a troubling incident involving three Australian airline crew members who were reportedly victims of theft and sexual assault at a nightclub in Martintar, Nadi.
Sami emphasized the importance of collaborating with government entities and other stakeholders to address safety concerns. He noted that the incident has unfortunately tarnished Fiji’s tourism image, but he reminded everyone that such occurrences are not exclusive to nightclubs and can happen anywhere.
He proposed that extending nightclub operating hours could alleviate safety issues. Currently, nightclubs close at 1 AM, leaving patrons, including tourists, waiting on the streets for transportation. By allowing nightclubs to remain open until 5 AM, guests would have more control over their departure times, potentially reducing crowds and improving access to taxis.
Discussing the unfortunate incident, Sami suggested that the timing of the crew members’ departure, paired with the crowding outside the nightclub, may have made them more susceptible to danger. He noted that nightclubs should provide a secure environment for socializing, rather than contributing to public disturbances.
Sami further highlighted the absence of adequate parking facilities near the clubs and expressed his concerns about patrons walking in poorly lit areas to catch taxis, which are not reliably available late at night. He mentioned that these conditions might have contributed to the incident involving the victims.
In addition, Sami pointed out a lack of police presence around nightclubs after closing hours, which he believes played a role in the security issues prevalent in the area. He urged the Nadi Town Council to reconsider permitting nightclubs that do not meet basic safety standards.
In response, Saliceni Raiwalui, Chair of the Nadi Town Council’s Special Administrator, expressed his sympathy for the victims and acknowledged the necessity for improved safety regulations. He referred to the incident as a wake-up call for everyone to reevaluate their safety measures for both tourists and locals.
This incident has revealed the pressing need for enhanced safety measures in Nadi’s nightlife scene. While it was a tragic event, it has opened the door for discussions on improving regulations and enhancing collaboration between authorities and nightclub operators, potentially leading to a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone involved in the vibrant tourism sector in Fiji.
Through these proposed changes and heightened awareness, the hope is to restore confidence in Nadi’s nightlife and tourism, positioning it as a safe haven for visitors.
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