Roneel Sami, president of Nadi’s nightclub operators and owner of Ice-Bar Nadi, is urging a reassessment of existing rules and regulations to enhance the safety of nightclub patrons. His comments follow a concerning incident involving three Australian airline crew members who allegedly experienced theft and sexual assault at a nightclub in Martintar, Nadi.
Mr. Sami emphasized the need for a collaborative effort involving government officials and other stakeholders to improve nightclub operations, which he believes are critical for protecting both locals and tourists. He expressed concern that such incidents could tarnish Fiji’s reputation as a travel destination.
“This incident has regrettably cast a shadow over tourism in Fiji,” he stated, acknowledging that while serious, it is an isolated occurrence amidst broader issues that often go unnoticed. Mr. Sami pointed out that the current early closure of clubs at 1 am leads to large crowds of patrons waiting for taxis on the streets, increasing vulnerability to crime. He suggested that extending operating hours until 5 am could alleviate this situation, allowing patrons to leave in smaller groups and easing the taxi situation.
Highlighting the lack of parking facilities near nightclubs, Mr. Sami noted that many patrons are forced to walk in poorly lit areas while searching for transportation, thus heightening their risk. He also raised concerns about insufficient police presence in the vicinity after club hours, indicating that these factors contributed to the unfortunate incident.
In response, Saliceni Raiwalui, Chair of the Nadi Town Council’s Special Administrator, expressed sympathy for the victims and echoed calls for improved safety measures. He acknowledged the incident as a wake-up call for the community to reevaluate safety protocols for tourists and residents alike.
This situation presents an opportunity for local authorities and business owners to come together and create a safer nightlife environment, ultimately benefiting tourism and community relations. By addressing these concerns through collaboration, Nadi has the potential to foster a safer and more enjoyable experience for all visitors and residents.
Overall, the dialogue sparked by this incident could lead to constructive changes in local nightlife policies, reinforcing the importance of safety in enhancing Fiji’s appeal as a tourist destination.
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