Businesses say aggressive begging is driving away customers in Suva

Suva restaurant owners say aggressive beggars are increasingly entering eateries, taking food from customers' plates and harassing diners, prompting some businesses to hire security guards.

Maya Dhaba Restaurant director Harminder Singh said one beggar reached into a foreign guest's plate while staff were busy, while another verbally abused his manager after being turned away.

"They come inside, if we say no, if we are busy, they come straight to the customer who is eating to beg," Mr Singh said.

He said the problem had worsened since January, particularly from Thursday to Saturday nights when nightclub crowds became aggressive after drinking.

Mr Singh said a female customer stopped visiting after a beggar grabbed her dress outside the Victoria Parade restaurant, which has operated for 20 years.

He has called on the Government and the Suva City Council to intervene, saying the issue was affecting businesses along Victoria Parade.

SCC response

Suva City Council acting chief executive officer Tevita Boseiwaqa said the council had met the Police Divisional Commissioner this week and would now hold monthly meetings with police to address the issue.

"For the street beggars and so on, we have to have a joint operation with the police and the Ministry of Women and Social Protection," Mr Boseiwaqa said.

He said welfare matters fell under the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection rather than the council.

His comments follow a joint operation by Lautoka City Council, police and the ministry this week, during which City Rangers issued warning notices to beggars.

The ministry has also raised concerns over increasing street homelessness saying welfare support and pathways off the streets remain a priority.