Unhappy Nightclub Owners!
If the amendment to the Bill is passed, special zones that exist under the Liquor Act 2006, that is, Suva and Nadi, will have to be removed and nightclubs in these zones would have to operate from 5pm to 1am.
Friday 14 July 2023 | 17:13
Nightclub operators are hoping good sense will prevail as Parliament debates the opening hours of nightclubs under the Liquor Amendment Bill today.
Nightclub operators have labelled the proposed amendment as “ridiculous”, “unbelievable” and an “insensible move”.
If the amendment to the Bill is passed, special zones that exist under the Liquor Act 2006, that is, Suva and Nadi, will have to be removed and nightclubs in these zones would have to operate from 5pm to 1am.
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Church leaders, police and the Government have welcomed the proposed amendment that is likely to be passed in Parliament today.
While tabling the Bill in Parliament on Tuesday, Attorney-General Siromi Turaga, said there had been many reports of brawls, robberies and attacks in the early hours in Suva resulting in serious injuries and loss of lives.
Mr Turaga said the Bill sought to amend the Act to remove special zones, which provides for the sale of liquor for extended hours in taverns, nightclubs and restaurants in areas in Suva and Nadi.
The Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka initiated the call during a Cabinet meeting in April after the death of a 26-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted outside a nightclub in March.
President of the Methodist Church of Fiji Reverend Ili Vunisuwai said the church welcomed this move by Government.
“We made our submission in regards to this and 1am is good,” Reverend Vunisuwai said.
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Story by: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj & mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj
