Roneel Sami, president of Nadi’s nightclub operators and owner of Ice-Bar Nadi, has called for a thorough reassessment of existing rules and regulations governing nightclubs to enhance the safety of patrons following a concerning incident involving three Australian airline crew members at a nightclub in Martintar, Nadi. The crew reportedly fell victim to theft and sexual assault, prompting Mr. Sami to emphasize the necessity for collaboration among nightclub operators, the government, and other stakeholders to ensure safer nightlife environments.
Mr. Sami expressed his dismay at how this incident negatively impacts Fiji’s tourism image. He highlighted that while this unfortunate event received significant attention, acts of violence and crime can occur in various contexts, particularly when nightclubs close at 1 AM, leaving patrons to wait in the streets for transportation.
He argued that extending operational hours to 5 AM would allow patrons to have better control over their departure, thereby reducing overcrowding and making it easier to secure taxis. According to Mr. Sami, the environment in nightclubs is designed to provide safe enjoyment, a stark contrast to the risks posed when intoxicated individuals roam the streets or use public transport.
Sami raised key concerns about the insufficient parking around the 14 nightclubs in Martintar, noting that many establishments lack designated spaces, forcing patrons into poorly lit streets while searching for taxis that may not be readily available. He linked this inadequate infrastructure to the vulnerability victims faced during the recent incident. Furthermore, he pointed out the lack of police presence in the vicinity after hours, suggesting that insufficient patrols contributed to the situation.
In response to these comments, Saliceni Raiwalui, Chair of the Nadi Town Council’s Special Administrator, acknowledged the incident and extended sympathies to the victims. Mr. Raiwalui noted the importance of this incident as a wake-up call to both local authorities and nightclub operators, reiterating a commitment to enhancing safety measures for both locals and tourists.
In summary, the nightclub sector is advocating for necessary reforms to improve safety following a distressing incident, aiming to foster a safer nightlife experience for everyone involved. This collective effort shows promise for enhancing the overall safety environment, which may potentially reinforce the appeal of Nadi as a travel destination, assuring tourists that their safety is a priority.
It’s hopeful to see that local authorities are taking notice and expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue, suggesting that positive changes may be on the horizon for both the nightlife scene and overall tourism in Fiji.
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