Roneel Sami, president of Nadi’s nightclub operators and owner of Ice-Bar Nadi, has called for a reassessment of the current rules and regulations governing nightclubs in the wake of a concerning incident involving three Australian airline crew members at a nightclub in Martintar, Nadi. The crew members allegedly faced theft and sexual assault during their time out, prompting Mr. Sami to stress the need for increased safety measures to protect patrons.
He highlighted that such incidents negatively impact the tourism industry in Fiji, stating, “This incident has unfortunately painted a negative image for tourism in Fiji.” However, Mr. Sami pointed out that while this incident is serious, it is not representative of the overall safety landscape, as many similar occurrences may happen in different settings.
A key concern raised by Mr. Sami is the current nightclub closing time, which is set at 1 AM, resulting in large crowds waiting outside for transportation. He argued that extending operating hours to 5 AM could provide tourists with better control over their departure times, thus reducing vulnerability when trying to find a taxi.
Mr. Sami also discussed the inadequacies of parking spaces around the 14 nightclubs in Martintar, noting that this forces patrons to walk along poorly lit streets while searching for rides. He stressed that the lack of police presence after hours exacerbates the issue and that the town council should evaluate the registration of establishments that do not adhere to basic safety requirements.
In response to these concerns, Saliceni Raiwalui, Chair of the Nadi Town Council’s Special Administrator, expressed sympathy for the victims and acknowledged the situation as a wake-up call. “The council stands firm on the side of the law and is committed to ensuring safety,” he added.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of collaborative efforts between nightclub operators, the government, and law enforcement to enhance safety protocols for both tourists and locals. The dialogue around improving security measures and ensuring a better experience for visitors shows a commitment to fostering a safe and enjoyable environment in Fiji’s nightlife scene.
In a hopeful outlook, industry leaders are now presented with the opportunity to make meaningful changes that could bolster both guest safety and the reputation of Fiji as a tourism destination.
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