Cloud 9, the floating venue moored just off Cloudbreak. Photo: Cloud 9
Cloud 9, the floating restaurant and entertainment venue moored just off Fiji’s world-famous Cloudbreak, had their operations shut down by the Fiji Police Force. Whether this is a temporary closure or a permanent one remains to be seen.
“We are currently attempting to establish the reasons behind the said forced closure, as no notice has been served on us advising us of the reasons for closure,” they say in a statement on their website. “A media release by the authorities indicates that we are in breach of the Surfing Area Decree 2010.”
On Friday, Attorney-General and Minister for Tourism Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said that Cloud 9 was in breach of the Surfing Areas Decree of 2010 and operating illegally. “It does not allow for the activities that have been conducted on Cloud 9, which include organized parties, the serving of alcohol, the playing of loud music and an advertised nightclub,” he said in a government statement. “The Decree is explicit — to enable unrestricted access to any surfing area by all personnel engaged in providing and promoting surfing and any water sport.”
It appears that any commercial venture on Cloud 9 must be limited to surfing or other water-related sports.
According to Sayed-Khaiyum, the decree serves two major purposes: creating economic and commercial opportunities for locals in the surrounding areas and protection of the environment.
“Protection of the environment in these areas is paramount,” he said told the Fji Times. “The government cannot allow any activity that may lead to damage or destruction.”
Cloud 9 Director Tony Philip told the Fiji Times that no notice was given, and that he was seeking legal advice before commenting further.
