Editorial

Late last June, the government said it was working on a set of regulations dealing with nightclub bouncers. The announcement followed the death of a Sudanese immigrant, who succumbed to head injuries he sustained in Paceville. A 29-year-old bouncer was charged with inflicting the injuries that led to the migrant's death.

Changes to the law have been drafted but not much more appears to have been done although, in the wake of an incident involving two Italians who were allegedly beaten by bouncers, the proposed amendments should be gazetted soon.

The idea, it seems, is to amend the private Guards And Local Wardens Act to raise the level of regulation. Security guards at entertainment establishments and private guards protecting valuables would be issued with new licences and a clear distinction would be made between the two roles, the duties and obligations of both being outlined.

One can only hope that this happens sooner rather than later although, judging by similar statements made in the past, one should not bet any money on it!

The consequences are too evident to have to be highlighted, both in terms of physical danger and the damage such incidents can, and no doubt do, cause to both the leisure and tourism industries.

As things stands, it is evident that bouncers are not adequately regulated. It is as if owners of entertainment spots do not give much attention as to who they employ and the police turn a blind eye. The bottom line is that the provisions of the law under which bouncers fall are not being effectively enforced, if at all. If challenged, would the police, or whichever authority is responsible to do such a job, be able to assure the public that all personnel engaged as bouncers are in line with the legal requirements and that all are of good character and not known to be violent and/or aggressive individuals? Is the police conduct of such individuals constantly checked?

The crux of the problem lies in the fact that what has developed along the years is a cultural complacency towards abuse that stems from rotten apples in the nightclub security industry. Though, it must be said, there are many reliable and serious people employed as bouncers.

Thus, urgent action needs to be taken and the public must be informed of how this is being done. What to many worried parents and revellers would appear to be a free-for-all situation must change. The government needs to find the resources to launch a series of random checks at nightclubs and have all bouncers' licences checked, even before the law is changed. A paper document may not count for much but such a drive would make bouncers and owners more accountable and, more importantly, ensure that those serving as security personnel in such outlets are trustworthy.

In addition, some form of commission/board of inquiry ought to be set up to suggest what steps could be taken to address the situation.

There is a course of action to be followed in order to make present legislation tougher. The provisions will have to be drafted and then published in the Government Gazette, following which they will have to be debated in Parliament, which, usually, meets three evenings a week. So some time will evidently pass before the new rules can come into force. Until then, so many more incidents could occur. Hence, if the government is truly committed to stop abuse in this sector, it must move immediately.