The effect of the 2 am closure of nightclubs on the tourism industry is being evaluated and according to Minister of Tourism, Catherine Hughes, her findings will be released in two weeks’ time.
Although the minster admitted she has not spoken publicly on the issue, she said currently she is in the process of collecting information and has so far spoken to several nightclub owners and in so doing, she acknowledged the solution may not be simple.
Some owners claimed to have experienced a decline in business while others are in full agreement with the 2 am closure, Hughes said.
She also disclosed it has been observed persons are now going to the clubs earlier than before the introduction of the new closure time.
The idea of restricted time, she noted is not a new one, as certain places in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK), persons are not allowed to buy alcohol after certain periods.
In addition, she said, some nightclubs in other countries have opted to employ specific personnel to monitor the amount of alcohol patrons were consuming and if the club is of the opinion that a customer has been consuming too much alcohol, that customer will be cautioned and in some cases offered assistance to get home.
In some clubs, direct contact is also maintained with police officers to ensure maximum security the minister said.
The Ministry of Public Security in July announced the decision taken to have nightclubs and other places of entertainment closed at 2 am and urged the support of the public in the decision.
According to a press release from the ministry, the decision was taken after considering the negative effects of the consumption of alcohol on crime and violence, including domestic violence; traffic accidents; the productive capacities of our population, especially the young; along with other attendant circumstances, including the adverse effects of the proliferation of noise nuisance.
