September 17, (THEWILL) – The Lagos State Government has sealed eight nightclubs and event centres within Ikeja and Victoria Island, respectively. Some of the affected facilities are Hot Box Night Club, Shades Night Club, Buzzbar, CCX Lounge and a number of event centres.
The state government said the facilities had to be sealed in the interest of public safety and with the aim of achieving zero accidents in workplaces and public facilities across Lagos. It said that it has zero tolerance for violation of safety laws and will continually monitor such facilities to ensure compliance with laid down safety laws.
About two months ago, the state government at a meeting held in Alausa with nightclub operators and event centre owners, issued warnings to to them and vowed to shut clubs allowing use of drugs and firearms in their organisations. It decried the presence of underage persons in many nightclubs in the state, saying that it is against the law to allow the presence of minors at nightclubs. It added that clubs’ frontages have been turned to drug sales outlets and mandated the use of proper signages to convey the message of no drugs, no firearms and no underage to club goers.
The government warned nightclub owners and event centre operators to respect the laws of the state as it would not hesitate to wield the big stick on those flagrantly violating and disregarding the laws of the state.
It also implored all recreational and event centres in the state who are yet to register with the state’s Safety Commission to do so and obtain the safety compliance certificate, while also encouraging event centres owners to obtain an event safety permit through.
The state government added that it would continue its enforcement exercises in order to ensure public safety and a safer Lagos for all.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
