There’s no co-relation between nightclub hours and drunken disorderly behavior in the streets.
That’s the confirmation from Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum in parliament saying night-clubs provide a controlled environment for people who would otherwise resort to unregulated supply of alcohol.
“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.”
Responding to questions from the Opposition, Sayed-Khaiyum says police and night-club operators have traced that recent incidents of people being drunk on the streets, brawls and other misdemeanors are linked to black markets.
The minister adds that Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi was a notorious area.
A few years ago, the government introduced special economic zones in Suva and Nadi where night-clubs could open from 5pm to 5am.
