Nightclub bouncer training under the spotlight
Fiji Law Reform Commission says every bouncer must be licensed under existing legislation
Thursday 13 August 2026 | 05:00
Nightclub bouncer training is under the spotlight as Fiji reviews its private security laws. Inset: Esira Bosevakaturaga.
The Fiji Law Reform Commission is pushing for stronger training and professionalisation of nightclub bouncers amid concerns over violence during clubbing hours.
Speaking during the Fiji Law Reform Commission’s review of the Security Industry Act 2010 at the Nadi Civic Centre yesterday, Esira Bosevakaturaga said more needed to be done to ensure bouncers were properly trained and equipped to manage incidents.
“People are dying in nightclubs. I believe it’s a serious matter. People are dying in nightclubs, lots of fights,” Mr Bosevakaturaga said.
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“There’s a regulation, protocols to follow, but we’re supposed to be training like this too. That’s why I believe that we work together on this, and that’s what you’re doing.”
Law Reform Commissioner Ana Rokomokoti said bouncers were covered by the current legislation and were required to hold licences.
“Every bouncer must have a licence, and if they don’t have that licence, then that means they’re operating illegally,” she said.
Ms Rokomokoti said the professionalisation of the private security industry, including proper training, was an important part of the review.
“But life goes on. Again, professionalisation, training, the whole works. It has to be complementary. So, we’ll take one step at a time,” she said.
The review is being undertaken by the Fiji Law Reform Commission (FLRC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs.
It aims to assess the effectiveness of the current legislative framework governing Fiji’s private security industry and identify areas requiring reform.
Ms Rokomokoti said the exercise would result in a final report containing recommendations to ensure the Act remained relevant, effective and responsive to current and emerging industry needs.
The FLRC is inviting members of the public, organisations and interested institutions to make written submissions on the review.
The deadline for submissions is 4pm on Monday, August 31, 2026.
A Northern Division consultation will be held at the Labasa Civic Centre on Friday from 5pm to 7pm.
