Roneel Sami, the president of Nadi’s nightclub operators and owner of Ice-Bar Nadi, has called for a reassessment of current regulations governing nightclubs to enhance patron safety. His comments come in light of an alarming incident involving three Australian airline crew members who reportedly became victims of theft and sexual assault at a nightclub in Martintar, Nadi.
Sami emphasized the urgent need for collaboration between nightclub operators, government authorities, and other stakeholders to revisit operational protocols. He expressed concern that such incidents could tarnish the image of Fiji’s tourism industry. “This incident has unfortunately painted a negative image for tourism in Fiji,” he stated, highlighting that it represents a broader issue, as similar occurrences happen outside of nightclubs.
According to Sami, the closure of nightclubs at 1 AM creates a precarious situation where patrons, including tourists, are left vulnerable while waiting for taxis. He argued that extending closing hours to 5 AM—as was customary—would mitigate this issue by allowing for a staggered exit of patrons and reducing the crowd density outside nightclubs, thus enhancing safety.
Sami pointed out that the lack of parking facilities exacerbates the situation, forcing patrons to wander dark streets in search of transportation. He highlighted that many establishments in the Martintar area, particularly along a busy stretch, lack adequate parking. He believes that this scarcity, combined with a limited police presence during late-night hours, contributed to the unfortunate incident involving the airline crew members.
He urged the Nadi Town Council to evaluate the registration of nightclubs that fail to adhere to basic safety requirements, suggesting that regulation should align with the safety of both tourists and locals.
In response to Sami’s concerns, Saliceni Raiwalui, Chair of the Nadi Town Council’s Special Administrator, acknowledged the situation and expressed condolences for the victims. He emphasized the council’s commitment to ensuring safety for all. “This incident has been a wake-up call for all of us to reassess our measures for the safety of tourists and locals alike,” said Raiwalui.
This call for action, sparked by a serious incident, presents an opportunity for improvement in the nightlife sector and tourism safety in Fiji—a reassuring prospect for both locals and visitors alike. By addressing these issues head-on, there is hope for a safer and more enjoyable environment that can continue to attract tourists to Fiji.
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