The Lagos State Government has met with owners and Chief Executive Officers of Lounge, hospitality and entertainment facilities in the State.

At the meeting they agreed on friendly and safe operations through the yuletide period and beyond in other to prevent avoidable accidents and chaotic situation.

The meeting which was a stakeholders parley, was jointly presided over by the Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola and the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe.

According to the Director General Safety Commission, the meeting was to sensitise the business owners who plan to host or organise event, particularly during the yuletide period to consider the environment and safety of the people by obtaining necessary permits from Government.

In his words, the meeting became necessary considering the rate of reports of safety and pollution infractions received by the agencies in recent time, which according to him, must be properly addressed.

He listed the mandatory safety checks needed for a hitch free event to include: Fire safety prevention measures, deployment of Certified Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) personnel ( grounded in first aid and CPR application), professional handling of chemical s and hazardous materials , use of Protective Personal Equipment when on duty (PPE),Overcrowding and provision of multiple exits , adequate security, installation of informative signage to guide visitors and engagement of only licensed food handlers to prevent food poisoning.

Mojola informed that they have the approval of Mr. Governor to ensure any event above 250 crowd should be registered with them, while above 500, must not only register, but have on ground, trained safety marshals and other relevant sister agencies to monitor, coordinate and prevent unseen situations.

He reaffirmed that obtaining approval for noise permit is sacrosanct to issuance of safety certificate.

On her part, the General Manager Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Dr Dolapo Fasawe urged Lagosians to comply with environmental laws guiding the conduct of every resident of the State.

According to her, people can Merry without making noise and be a good neighbor and respect the right of others to peaceful environment, particularly, within our communities.

In her words, in as much as we cannot isolate metropolitan city from social activities, hence the need to regulate activities for a peaceful coexistence and harmonious working relationship.

Fasawe said Government is not unmindful of the peculiarity of the season to the sector and that is why they are taking the step to ensure it is a win win situation for all.

The LASEPA boss, therefore, expressed satisfaction with some of the facilities that have yielded to the advice of the agency towards controlling and managing their sound and urged them to be more involving in activities within their host community.

Fasawe noted that the noise permit issued by Government is discretionally approved with due consideration to the event, environment, duration and its time bound, stressing that failure to comply with stated guidelines attracts fines, sealing and prosecution.

She expressed further that her agency will continue to pay undivided attention and monitor all environmental-related facilities across the State to ensure compliance from recalcitrant organisations while also prevailing on the public to support the business dreams of the operators and continue to promote peaceful co existence in the state.