A growing trend continues to be seen now where many underage people are going to nightclubs without any action being taken against them or those who are allowing them in or serving them alcohol.
Over the past few months, Fijivillage has been observing that a number of secondary school students, some as young as 16, are being allowed into many nightclubs.
Many of the underage people who are allowed in are girls.
And we have also witnessed drinks being served to these young people.
This is becoming a major concern with the young people getting into trouble and facing a number of challenges.
Alcohol consumption is the major cause of injuries and deaths among youth today.
This is according to Health Ministry's Adolescent Project Officer Sister Sulueti Duvaga in relation to underage drinking.
She said this is a trend that is very worrying.
Duvaga revealed that the issue of students entering clubs has been brought to the Ministry's attention, adding that a recent survey shows that 69 percent of youth consume kava and 51 percent abuse alcohol, stressing that many youth between the ages of 15 to 21 years tend to follow their friends and indulge in risky behavior.
She added that since young people are still developing physically their bodies are not able to absorb a huge amount of alcohol.
Duvaga added that while it may be fun to go out at night and hang out at nightclubs and drink, they are putting their lives at risk.
Fijivillage has contacted a few night spots and they have stressed that they do not allow anyone below the age of 18 years into their clubs.
However the pattern we have noticed is totally different.
Police are yet to comment on the issue.
Story by: Paradise Tabucala/Sofaia Koroitanoa
