Apia, SAMOA — Popular night club Edge Marina View has been shutdown after the Liquor Board stripped its liquor and beverage license.

Minister for Revenue and Liquor Board chairman, Tialavea Tionisio Hunt, told the Samoa Observer that the decision of the Board has been conveyed to the club’s owners. 

He said the closure does not apply to the restaurant within the same premises. 

“The restaurant remains open, but the night club inside the compound has been shut down permanently and the owners have been informed of the decision during our meeting on Wednesday,” he said.

When he was asked if the club’s owners will challenge the decision, he said: “We discussed this yesterday and they have agreed (to the closure).”

Repeated efforts by the Samoa Observer to get in contact with the club’s owners, Darryl and Savili Maiava, have been unsuccessful as of press time.

An incident at the club on the waterfront two weeks ago — which led to the death of 24-year-old Jeremiah Malaki Tauili’i — was the last straw for the Board, as Tialavea said there were public complaints in the past against the club.

“The Board felt this was the right move, due to the result of what has happened and the loss of life is something that is not taken lightly,” he said.

The Minister also warned that the Board will not hesitate to take action against other night clubs that fail to protect their patrons.