Lagos seals Queens Park Event Centre for ‘breaking COVID-19 protocol’

Queens Part Event Centre has been banned from operating in Lagos after state authorities accused it of flouting COVID-19 rules.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, on Sunday, announced that it sealed the Oniru-based centre and revoked it operating licence.

Tourism commissioner Uzamat Akinbile Yussuf said the step to withdraw the license was taken in the best interest of the state and implored other event centres and venue owners to comply with the government’s laid down directives otherwise risk loosing their chances of doing business in Lagos.

She said that the fight against the virus can only be successful if we all follow the laid down public health and safety protocols.

The Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola said Queens Park broke coronavirus rules during a Boxing Day event.

He also sounded a stern warning to all other event centers and venue owners that flout safety protocols in the state, that it is not business as usual. As such, they should either fall in line with the State’s protocols or risk losing their license to operate in the state.

He further stated that the commission had begun a legal process against some recalcitrant business owners who removed the government seal and continued operations.

He further stated that mass gatherings at restaurants, bars, cafes and public places without observing necessary safety guidelines will increase the spread of the virus and therefore urged the public to maintain and observe all the necessary safety precautions.

Finally, he sounded a note of warning to all night clubs, bars and lounges operating against the state’s established safety protocol, that the state maintains zero tolerance towards those that do not abide by the regulations.

He maintained that people must take responsibility and urged all and sundry to co-operate with the government to effectively curtail the spread of the virus which is still very much with us.