Drunk and disorderly behaviour in the streets cannot be associated with nightclub hours.

This was revealed by Attorney-General and Minister for Finance, Public Enterprises, Public Service and Communications, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, while responding to a question raised by Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa.

Ro Teimumu had asked if based on the high incidences of drunken brawls in Suva, Government would push for an urgent review of liquor licences and specifically nightclub opening hours, to support the maintenance of law and order in the country.

A few years ago, the Government introduced special economic zones in Suva and Nadi where nightclubs could open from 5pm to 5am.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said Police and night-club operators have traced that recent incidences of people being drunk on the streets, brawls and other misdemeanors are linked to black markets.

“People are in a controlled environment while they are drinking in nightclubs.

“Before this, black markets were flourishing. People, when clubs would close, would go and drink under the coconut tree near the sea wall – under some cassava patch – completely uncontrolled. Fights would break out and Police had no ability to go and monitor each specific area.”

He added that people needed to look at the bigger picture as this is also providing employment to our people and it contributed to our economy.

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