The recent inspections conducted across establishments in Macedonia have shed troubling light on the operational standards of local nightclubs. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced that more than half of the inspected venues, including those carrying valid licenses, do not comply with the minimum technical requirements. He revealed this information during an appearance on TV Sitel, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Mickoski stated, "I received information from the State Market Inspectorate that over 60 to 70 establishments have been checked. Even those with valid licenses, most of them do not meet the minimum technical conditions, which is the biggest problem." His comments come on the heels of a significant tragedy that occurred in Kochani, a situation which he characterized as symptomatic of a corrupt system.
In a bid to address these glaring deficiencies, the Prime Minister has called on municipal inspectors to inspect all local establishments, particularly those under municipal authority. He insisted that communal inspectors must go out into the field to verify the awnings and terraces of the affected venues. "There is no going back; we have started. Either this corrupt mafia that has been operating for decades will prevail or the people and the state will win," Mickoski stressed, asserting the government’s commitment to the citizens' safety.
The Prime Minister went on to reveal that, according to his previous discussions with the State Market Inspectorate, more than 80% of the establishments currently in operation may face closure due to their inability to meet safety standards. He expects the inspections to conclude within one to two weeks, at which point it will be clear which establishments are fit to operate. He highlighted that those establishments that do not comply will no longer be able to operate, stating, "We’re committed to ensuring that the law takes precedence over business interests. Starting Monday, clarity will emerge regarding which venues will remain open."
Currently, among the establishments inspected, there are about 50 to 60 nightclubs identified, and of these, 22 have valid licenses for operation. However, more than half of these do not fulfill the minimum technical requirements, and it is causing significant concern among the populace. As part of a broader strategy, Mickoski noted that several of the business owners have expressed intentions not to reopen, recognizing their establishments do not meet required conditions.
Furthermore, a tragic incident in Kochani has brought this issue to the forefront, causing authorities to reflect on the systematic failures that have allowed such establishments to operate illegally or unsafely. In response to this, several raids and inspections have been conducted, and it was confirmed that there were indeed irregularities associated with some licensed venues. Three disco clubs have already been shuttered as a result of these inspections.
The state is currently executing a meticulous oversight strategy, employing various inspection teams comprising members from a multitude of departments including the Ministry of Interior, labor inspectors, and civil servants. This extensive inspection regime aims to uncover and rectify the longstanding issues that have plagued nightlife establishments across the country. Maria Miteva, a government spokesperson, assured concerned citizens, "More than ten teams are conducting inspections on a daily basis, comprising numerous relevant institutions to ensure minimum technical requirements must be met. We understand the frustration of the people. They demand justice, and we will deliver."
She highlighted that regulations dictate that establishments must have adequate ventilation and fire safety equipment in place to protect patrons. In the larger urban area of Skopje alone, out of 13 inspected nightclubs, only two currently possess valid licenses while the others either have expired licenses or lack licenses altogether. In adherence to local laws, venues must provide at least one emergency exit for every 100 guests and ensure ventilation to manage air quality effectively.
Legal amendments are on the table to facilitate enforcement and ensure compliance with safety regulations. As Mickoski noted, "We will also consider rectifying issues addressed by legislation changes from a previous law enacted in 2007 beginning now, we are entering a phase of accountability and revitalization of safety standards. This must be addressed as a systematic approach, but first, we must finish the criminal aspect of the current case before taking further steps."
Ultimately, the Prime Minister and his administration have resolved to bring about transparency and justice. He has made it clear that individuals operating outside the law, regardless of their political affiliations, will be held accountable, saying, "No one will be spared, and there will be accountability for everyone who acted unlawfully, whether they are Macedonian or Albanian, Muslim or Christian." Leadership commitments such as this are crucial in times of societal unrest, particularly given the sentiment of unrest and dissatisfaction surrounding the public’s safety in nightlife venues. As Kandemir Borjan from the Ministry of Interior noted, extensive controls will continue as the government aims to rebuild trust in the systems of governance while prioritizing overall public safety and the adherence to lawful practices across the nightlife industry.
Going forward, the enforcement of checks and balances in operating procedures is expected to help to instill confidence that the standards required for nightlife establishments in Macedonia will begin to reflect a commitment to public safety and community welfare.
As the clock counts down to the conclusion of inspections set for the next week, all eyes will be on the outcome, which promises to bring a degree of clarity to the nightlife landscape in the country, hopefully marking a turn towards a safer and more regulated environment for patrons in the future.
