Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said nightclub hours in the special economic zones in Suva and Nadi will not be reduced as the situation is not out of control.
Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa raised the question in parliament today on whether the government will push for an urgent review of the nightclub opening hours to support the maintenance of law and order in the country.
She raised this issue due to the number of drunken brawls in Suva.
Sayed-Khaiyum said the extended nightclub operating hours in the special economic zones is to curb black market operations and drinking in areas where there was no control.
He said it would be a knee jerk reaction to try and suddenly review the act as the current system is getting more people in a more controlled environment and the nightclub owners are paying Service Turnover Tax.
Sayed-Khaiyum said if you shut down the nightclubs early, people would go to the black markets.
Ro Teimumu Kepa said the matter needs to be addressed.
Opposition MP Niko Nawaikula also said people need to be at church on Sunday and the nightclubs should close early.
Meanwhile, Sayed-Khaiyum said they have received some complaints and positive responses in relation to the nightclub opening hours in the special economic zones.
He also said that there was an issue with a bar in Nadi where they had people drinking outside the bar.
They have been told to stop this.
