Police, Nightclub Operators Join Forces to Prevent Underage Entry

Night club operators in Suva are putting in additional effort to ensure that no underage student enters their establishment ahead of the three-day Coca-Cola Games this week.

Every year after the games, high school students are seen in clubs drinking.

As a matter of principle, bar and tavern operators will be stringent on its patrons before allowing entrance.

O’Reilly’s Bar Fiji manager Waisea Liwaono said it was important that club owners ensure its bouncers not accept bribery from minors.

“There are times where we have observed some nightclubs’ bouncers accepting money from underage children to fulfil their desire to get in the nightclubs,” Mr Liwaono said.

“This is unacceptable and illegal. Some owner’s prioritise revenue over the safety of underage children.

“This behaviour is nothing new and we have seen the negative side of it.”

Mr Liwaono said aside from making sure that patrons present their identification (ID) cards at the door it would be on the lookout for other illegal dealings.

Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations (ACP) Livai Driu said apart from the usual school visitations, meetings will be held with nightclub operators, noting the trend experienced in past years of minors trying to enter clubs.

Another night club owner who spoke on the condition of anonymity said it was willing to work with Police.

However, the reality was that establishments and Police could do it alone, hence the call for a concerted effort.

“Parents and guardians should talk to their children. It cannot all be blamed on the nightclubs,” he said.

"Police should do its patrol around town and check nightclubs. We will do our job by asking for IDs from the door and no bouncer should take bribery from the high school students who wants to enter.”

Permanent Secretary for Education Selina Kuruleca also urges parents that supervision of children was a legal, familial and social responsibility.

“The ministry has met with the Fiji Police, Land Transport Authority and continues to impress through our divisional and district offices to the head of schools the need for collaboration between all stakeholders - students, athletes, coaches, fans, parents, relatives of the spirit of the Fiji Finals.”

ACP Driu said Police operations were ready.

“Drug operations will be a priority area of focus at the games venue, with the assistance of the Fiji Detector Dog Unit (FDDU) and Police Dog Unit.

“Running parallel however to the game’s drug operations, are routine drug operations throughout the five policing divisions.”

ACP Driu is pleading with parents and guardians to talk to their children about the harmful impacts of drugs.

“We cannot rule out the fact that they may be exposed or lured into taking or selling drugs.

“The message needs to be emphasised to children every day, so they are not tempted to follow the wrong crowd.

“Please continue to prioritise the safety of your children, as they need constant counselling and guidance”.

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