Tough new measures aimed at deterring abuse in Paceville were announced by the government today.

The biggest change is in the penalty for those who allow children into their establishments, with the fine going up to €1,250 per person from the current €230.

The measures come in the wake of an incident in a nightclub last month when a stairwell collapsed during a stampede, injuring 74. The most seriously injured were two girls aged 13 and 15, when no one under 17 is supposed to enter such establishments.

Under the new rules, which come into force on December 28, apart from the higher fine, a proprietor may have his licence suspended for seven consecutive days.

Persons under 17 may only be allowed in when the owner applies for a special permit, on condition that no alcohol is served on the premises.

As in legislation which existed to date, the Commissioner of Police may reject  an application for any public entertainment event when the character or record of the applicant, owner, organiser, disc jockey or artist is not such as to guarantee that there would not be drug abuse or some other sort of abuse.

In this case, however, the penalty for those who break the law is being raised to not less than €1,000 and not more than €5000. Licences may also be suspended in case of second and subsequent offences.

The Minister of Home Affairs has been holding consultation meetings to improve other areas of legislation, particularly related to licensing and law enforcement.

Police presence has been increased and rescuers and a medical team are now also being based in Paceville. 

REACTION: PARENTS MUST ALSO SHOULDER RESPONSIBILITY

Philip Fenech, head of the GRTU's leisure section, said owners should shoulder their responsibilities.

However exorbitant penalties as a deterrent were not enough. Parents should shoulder their legal responsibilities towards their children and should also face consequences when their children break the law, he said.