Roneel Sami, the president of Nadi’s nightclub operators and owner of Ice-Bar Nadi, has called for a comprehensive review of current nightlife regulations to enhance the safety of club patrons. His comments come in the wake of an alarming incident involving three Australian airline crew members who reportedly experienced theft and sexual assault at a Martintar nightclub in Nadi.
Mr. Sami emphasized the necessity for nightclubs to work closely with the government and key stakeholders to implement change, highlighting the negative repercussions this incident could have on Fiji’s tourism industry. “This incident has unfortunately painted a negative image for tourism in Fiji,” he stated. He also pointed out that while there have been unfortunate events, many incidents happen outside of nightclubs.
He explained that with nightclubs closing at 1 am, patrons often find themselves waiting outside for taxis, which can expose them to dangerous situations. “If nightclubs operated until 5 am as they used to, it would allow people a greater degree of control over their departure time and may reduce overcrowding outside, making it easier to secure transportation home,” noted Mr. Sami.
Regarding the crew members’ vulnerability, he suggested that their timing of departure from the club, coupled with their presence in a crowded area, may have contributed to their unfortunate situation. He underscored that nightclubs are designed to provide a safe environment for socializing rather than leaving individuals to wander the streets.
Highlighting a growing concern, Mr. Sami pointed to the lack of adequate parking near the nightclubs, which forces patrons to roam dark streets while searching for taxis. He also expressed that the absence of police presence around nightclubs post-closing hours contributed to the dangers faced by patrons.
In response, Saliceni Raiwalui, Chair of the Nadi Town Council’s Special Administrator, acknowledged the concerns raised by Mr. Sami and expressed sympathy for the victims, stating, “This incident has been a wake-up call for all of us to reassess our measures for the safety of tourists and locals alike.”
This conversation about safety in nightlife venues holds the potential to foster stronger collaboration between nightclub operators and local authorities. By addressing the structural issues of parking, security presence, and operational hours, it could lead to enhanced safety for both tourists and locals, bolstering the reputation of Fiji as a secure travel destination. The incident could very well serve as a catalyst for meaningful changes, ensuring that such unfortunate occurrences do not deter visitors but instead result in a more secure and enjoyable experience for all.
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