By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Eight nightclubs and event centres within Ikeja and Victoria Island have been sealed by the Lagos State government over safety violations.
A statement by the Lagos State Safety Commission disclosed that the affected facilities were shut down to ensure the safety of lives and properties in the metropolis.
A few facilities accused of contravening the state’s safety laws were Hot Box Night Club, Shades Night Club, Buzzbar, and CCX Lounge.
The Director General of the agency, Mr Lanre Mojola, said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has zero tolerance for violation of safety laws and will continually monitor such facilities to ensure compliance with laid down safety laws.
He urged all recreational and event centres in the state yet to register with the commission to do so and obtain the safety compliance certificate.
The DG also encouraged event centre owners to obtain an event safety permit and should provide the fire extinguishers, proper hygiene, housekeeping, and use of safety signages at designated areas whilst ensuring adequate parking spaces are provided to curtail traffic gridlock and other safety infractions.
He admonished nightclub owners and event centre operators to respect the laws of the state as the government would not hesitate to wield the big stick on those flagrantly violating and disregarding the laws of the state.
About two months ago, Mr Mojola met with nightclub operators and event centre owners in Alausa, stressing that the government would seal their premises if their facilities were used for drug abuse.
At the gathering, he decried the presence of underage persons in many nightclubs in the state, saying that it is against the law to allow minors at nightclubs.
He said club frontages had been turned to drug sales outlets and mandated proper signages to convey the message of no drugs, no firearms and no underage to club goers.
