The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture has revoked the operating licence of Queens Park Event Centre, Oniru, as the Lagos State Safety Commission also locked down the facility for disobeying the COVID-19 protocols of the State.
Commissioner for Tourism, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, said the step to withdraw the licence was taken in the best interest of the state and implored other event centres and venue owners to comply with the government’s laid down rules.
She stated that noncompliance means they risk losing their chances of doing business in Lagos.
The commissioner reiterated that the fight against the virus can only be successful if “we all follow the laid down public health and safety protocols.”
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The Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission Mr. Lanre Mojola said it became necessary to take such steps following an event that was held at the venue on December 26 that disregarded all safety protocols laid down by the state.
He also sounded a stern warning to all other event centres and venue owners that flout safety protocols in the state, that it is not business as usual.
“As such, they should either fall in line with the States protocols or risk losing their licence to operate in the State,” Mojola reportedly said.
He further stated that the commission has begun a legal process against some business owners who removed the government seal and continued operations.
The DG further stated that mass gatherings at restaurants, bars, cafes and public places without observing necessary safety guidelines will increase the spread of the virus and therefore urged the public to maintain and observe all the necessary safety precautions.
Finally, Mojola sounded a stern warning to all Nightclubs, Bars and Lounges operating against the states established safety protocol, that the state maintains zero tolerance towards those that do not abide by the regulations.
He maintained that people must take responsibility and urged all and sundry to cooperate with the government to effectively curtail the spread of the virus.
Earlier on Sunday, the commissioner sealed at least 12 facilities belonging to nightclubs, bars, amongst others.
© ControlTV 2020.
