FHTA Calls for Fair Play in Liquor Licensing

Suva, Fiji – 02 May 2025: The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) acknowledges the recent announcements made by the newly appointed Central Liquor Tribunal and welcomes the focus on longstanding concerns regarding inconsistencies in the interpretation and application of Fiji’s outdated liquor licensing laws.

For many years, FHTA has been engaging with key stakeholders, including the Office of the Attorney-General, the Liquor Boards, the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Tourism, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), to highlight the need for a more consistent, transparent and fair approach to liquor licensing.

It’s members—particularly licensed tourism and hospitality operators—have raised serious concerns over inconsistent enforcement and over-zealous scrutiny by regulatory authorities increasing fees or application requirements without consultation or reason.

While hotels must continue to comply with stringent liquor licensing requirements, a significantly increased number of small liquor outlets around Fiji operate with minimal oversight in urban, rural and community environments. This unequal treatment not only undermines legitimate businesses but also enables the proliferation of unregulated alcohol sales, which are contributing to wider social issues.

FHTA further acknowledges the Ministry of Trade’s efforts to streamline business applications through the businessNOW FIJI portal, including plans to incorporate liquor licensing into the platform. Additionally, we recognize our ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and IFC in assessing how the introduction of a Tourism Act, aligned with best practice standards, can strengthen compliance frameworks across the industry.

FHTA Chief Executive Mrs Fantasha Lockington adds “We cannot emphasize enough the need for a coordinated, government-wide approach to ensure effective implementation, cross-sector alignment, and wider general compliance, and are committed to working constructively with all relevant authorities to ensure that reforms are practical, enforceable, and equitable.”