Does anything go in Paceville? The latest incident there, when 74 young people were injured, points in that direction. The fact that a third of the 74 young people injured were under the legal drinking age speaks volumes.

This is not an isolated case. It adds to a series of other serious incidents. It only reconfirms what was known by all who care enough to know.

Unfortunately, Paceville has degenerated into a place where anything goes so long as money is coming in. For some, the rule of law is optional. Binge drinking and other illegal substances are openly promoted and consumed.

From a quiet summer residential area, Paceville has gradually transformed itself into a busy commercial mecca of entertainment outlets. For the few remaining aging residents who still brave the daily throngs of young people, Paceville has become a daily nightmare of noise, harassment and dirt. They hold to their premises only in the hope that their heirs will in time inherit a fortune.

The leisure industry has evolved over the years. From large disco venues, it moved to smaller clubs. Each club plays a specific genre of music for particular youth sub groups.

Patrons evolved too. Nowadays, most 24-year-olds and over have moved outside Paceville. They seek alternative venues such as private parties or wine bars. The remaining patrons are made up mostly by foreign students, 18-23 olds and/or youths who are under the legal age.

All come with a limited spending power. This marked a decrease in revenue for the club owners. Opening various gentleman clubs was a way to seek new pastures and increase their revenue.

The current government further accommodated particular club owners by paving the way for sex shops. While gentleman’s clubs are mushrooming all over the place, sex shops will soon follow. Paceville will turn out to be our local red light district.

Within this scenario, where and how will our youth, in particular those under the legal age, socialise? During my years as a youth worker, I used to organise various youth activities such a night hikes, bike rides, camps, cook-outs, social gatherings and other healthy activities. The response was very encouraging.

Things have changed. I suggest that all stakeholders should come together and offer alternatives. Our educational system should prepare our youths to make healthy life choices and avoid negative lifestyles.

Parents on their part should review their parental skills. As a parent myself, I am aware of the pressures faced but the latest incident exposed a lack of parental control and responsibility of some parents.

My bold recommendation is that a number of entry points should be set up around particular areas

Let us be very clear: the legal responsibility rests solely with the club owners. They have to ensure that no young teens are admitted to their premises. Trying to justify the unjustified is simply not on.

Do we have a culture of lack of enforcement? Are bouncers properly trained in crowd control? Are venues regularly checked as regards health and safety? Is a risk assessment in place? Do all the premises conform to sanitary and building regulations?

Are patrons properly checked prior to their admission? How many patrons are allowed on the premises? Are clubs regularly checked for illicit substances and smoking?

Do club owners receive any fines or have their licence revoked if they fail to comply with their licence conditions? Are some policemen in bed with club owners?

These are legitimate questions which need convincing replies.

Some entrepreneurs are law abiding. Others are not. Some club owners cannot be allowed to get away with murder. Some consider themselves above the law and behave as they please. The cowboy mentality should not be encouraged or protected by anyone, let alone by the political class.

In the aftermath of the latest incident, we all agree with the Prime Minister’s declaration that his government will introduce stricter regulations. But as in other cases, he needs to walk the talk. For a start, let us enforce the existent regulations.

During these turbulent inter­national times, my bold recommendation is that a number of entry points should be set up around particular areas. Similar to the airport security procedures, those who want to get in and out need to pass through a metal detector. In this way, every youth will be checked for any dangerous items or substances and age verified.

Although one might discuss its logistics, this is one way of securing a safer environment. In turbulent times we need bold measures.

The St Julian’s local council has been requesting additional police force. The current resources are not enough. A clinic, a counselling room and public toilets are amongst other initiatives which Paceville urgently needs.

While wishing a speedy recovery to all those involved, let us work together to ensure that in Paceville not everything goes.

We ought to do this for our children’s sake.

Albert Buttigieg is a member of the St Julian’s local council on behalf of the Nationalist Party.

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