Club Lit on the hunt for new location
January 7, 2025 9:45 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Vourie Molivakoro.
Club Lit, one of Port Vila’s most renowned nightclubs, is on the hunt for a new location following extensive damage caused by the recent earthquake.
The natural disaster left the venue structurally compromised, forcing the management to terminate its lease.
The popular nightclub located just above the Club Lit is situated nearby to Port Vila Main Market and Waterfront Quays Apartments Port Vila and is among 1 of the prominent businesses forced into closure in the aftermath of the disastrous 7.3 earthquake of December 17, 2024.
With the closure of the business at least 20 staff casual and permanent are left jobless and owner, Mr. Eric Chatelain, hoped that they could relocate soon in order to give their unemployed staff their jobs back and get back and move on with their regular lives.
“As for the Club Lit, it is now closed due to the building being damaged which has terminated our lease, we would like to relocate but we are waiting to know if there will be new regulation or/and specific location for night club … so we can be in application of the regulations,” Mr. Chatelain said.
Meanwhile Mr. Chatelain is focused on the growth of the new family restaurant known as The Groove which recently opened- a day before the earthquake at Freshwota 1 area.
The restaurant offers a wide range of fast food, drinks, customer service and a neat little space as playground for children in the new establishment. He confirmed that currently as they look out for a new space for establishment of the new club Lit area, he said they are also waiting for the final decisions to be given out by the Port Vila City Council (PVCC).
Prior to the earthquake, the Lady Mayor of PVCC, Jenny Tasale Regenvanu, proposed a major change to nightlife regulations, recommending that nightclubs close their doors at midnight.
The suggestion was made to address concerns about public safety, noise pollution, and social disturbances often associated with late-night operations.
Despite the mayor’s strong stance and vocal advocacy, the recommendation failed to gain traction due to a lack of support from the caretaker minister responsible for formalising the policy.
Therefore, Chatelain confirmed that they are also waiting for if there is a new regulation by the municipality concerning nightclubs in Port Vila for which they are ready to apply.
