Drug, substance use not acceptable in facilities, Lagos tells hotel, club operators
…as LASEPA wants soundproofing, no-smoke signs put in place
The Lagos State Government yesterday challenged owners of hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars and the like in the state to put modalities in place to checkmate the use of drugs and other illicit substances and also curb vices and environmental nuisances in their facilities in the state, if they hope to help the state become a destination of choice and enhance Lagos as a Live, Work and Play environment.
Giving the charge yesterday during a stakeholders’ engagement with the hospitality sector, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, with the theme: ‘Addressing Current Industry Challenges, Exploring Emerging Trends, Understanding Policy Framework and Unveiling Collaborative Opportunities Within the Entire Hospitality Value Chain,’ the state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, noted that from our local artisans to hoteliers, travel agencies, and transport providers, every stakeholder in the entire value chain has a crucial role to play in enhancing the tourism industry.
Adding, “We must leverage our collective strengths to build a robust and resilient hospitality sector.”
She noted, “In Lagos State, we are committed to creating an enabling environment for the hospitality sector to thrive. Our policy frameworks are being continually reviewed to ensure they support growth, innovation, and sustainability. We are also focused on improving infrastructure, enhancing security, and promoting Lagos as a prime tourist destination.
“We strive to make the industry, as with other climes, data driven, through the capturing of the entire hospitality sector on a database we can also share with the rest of the world. We are digitising our registration processes and would no longer operate manually in this capturing process.
“You must also agree with me that data is important, not only for growth and expansion but also for security of lives and property within and around your establishments.
“We seek your cooperation in this very important exercise as we strive to make it seamless as the methodology would be communicated to you accordingly.”
Also speaking, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) also advised operators in the hospitality industry in the state, not to encourage noise pollution in their hotels, clubs, restaurants and others.
Giving the advice, the General Manager, LASEPA, Dr Tunde Ajayi, urged hospitality operators across the state to put in place soundproofing system in their facilities where music is in use, to guide against noise pollution.
He said the essence of the soundproofing is to ensure that noise do not filter out to disturb individuals around the facility.
He also advised them to boldly put the No Smoking sign in their facilities and provide secluded place for smokers, to safeguard the health of none smoking members of the public.
“It is our collective responsibility to protect the environment, a healthy environment is necessary for the growth of hospitality businesses.
“Noise is a menace, people develop ear problems due to exposure to noise, but many don’t know this.
“We want an environment without noise, so soundproof your environment. Also, we have always advised that no-smoke signals should be used in hospitality firms.”
Most of the stakeholders commended the ministry for the innovation in holding the meeting, saying it was an opportunity for them to speak on their experiences and challenges.
