Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1181032
31.10.19 9 EDITORIAL BusinessToday is published every Thursday. The newspaper is a MediaToday publication and is distributed to all leading stationers, business and financial institutions and banks. MANAGING EDITOR: SAVIOUR BALZAN COORDINATING EDITOR: PAUL COCKS CONTRIBUTING JOURNALISTS: MASSIMO COSTA | LIAM CARTER BusinessToday, MediaToday, Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann SGN9016, Malta Newsroom email: bt@mediatoday.com.mt Advertising: afarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt Telephone: 00356 21 382741 SHOCKING footage published by TVM of a bouncer smashing the head of a tour- ist against the ground in Paceville has re- cast a critical spotlight on the entertain- ment business. e incident is now in court and justice must be allowed to take its course but it cannot be allowed to go by as if nothing has happened. Incidents like these cast a long shadow on an industry that offers an important service to the Maltese community and is a key component of the tourism package. e individual concerned has been ac- cused by the police of not having the nec- essary licence to work as a bouncer, apart from other charges. Unfortunately, this is not a new phe- nomenon. ere have been countless incidents involving unlicensed security personnel employed by night clubs and entertainment establishments. Four years ago, the issue had also been flagged in a magisterial inquiry into the Plus One incident when scores of peo- ple were injured after a glass bannister collapsed. An aspect highlighted by the magistrate was that several security per- sonnel at the club were not licensed as such and instead listed as customer care employees. is is wrong on many counts, not least because it casts a bad light on the enter- tainment industry. Admittedly, being a bouncer is not an easy job. ey deal with unruly people, who are often inebriated. ey work in circumstances where telling someone to leave can easily escalate into provocative and aggressive behaviour. But it is precisely the difficulty that comes with the job that necessitates ad- equately trained people who can handle such pressure without resorting to brutal force. Licensing is a legal requirement that tries to introduce a degree of profession- alism in the industry but clearly the time has come to toughen the requirements and introduce training for people who work in this field. Having properly licensed security guards is a necessity that must not be dismissed lightly and establishments that insist on flouting the law should be punished. Entertainment establishments must not allow rogue elements to tarnish every- body else's reputation. e industry must step up for the sake of its own reputation, the people it employs and the revellers it depends on for its profits. A level playing field dictates that every- one follows the same rules. Incidents like the one that happened over the weekend harm everyone because they reinforce the perception that there is a jungle out there. is is why this leader's constant call for proper enforcement of rules and regula- tions across the board remains a valid cry. Deregulation and streamlining of bu- reaucracy are important to ensure busi- nesses can thrive without additional costs. But regulations that introduce standards, enable safety and ensure a serene envi- ronment for everyone must be enforced, otherwise they will not be worth the pa- per they are written on. In a competitive business environment, the winning edge must not be derived from lowering of standards or worse, il- legal behaviour. Rogues must not be allowed to spoil it for everyone else and industry operators would do well to take the lead on the mat- ter. Within the context of a hospitality in- dustry that has, over the years, broadened its appeal to events-based tourism, the entertainment sector plays a key role. e investment in the sector is big. It constantly evolves to meet market de- mand and adapts to trends. e quality of the product has improved. is must be sustained and only by en- suring that high standards are maintained can it continue to flourish. is is why we insist on rules that have to be obeyed across the board, even in the security aspect. Unlicensed bouncers harm the entertainment industry