Guam’s nightlife scene looks to extend closing hours
BY ALTHEA ENGMAN Journal Staff
According to the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation as of January, Guam had 106 active alcohol licenses.
With nightlife being a big part of Guam’s offerings for residents and tourists, the Journal reached out to local entertainment industry leaders to get their take on the nightlife scene since the pandemic and Typhoon Mawar, which hit Guam in May 2023.
BaldygaMark S. Baldyga, founder, and chairman of the Baldyga Group; said the industry has its challenges.
He has seen a “notable decreased post-pandemic” in the nightlife scene in Tumon, a popular site for tourists. This decrease is “primarily is due to diminished visitor numbers in addition to previous declines, due to restrictions to hours of operations,” he said. “Tourists often cite the limited nighttime activities compared to pre-pandemic levels,” Baldyga said.
Venues elsewhere allow for longer opening hours.
“Internationally, last call does not exist in Japan, except for where establishments choose to close shop. Many bars, clubs, and restaurants that serve alcohol stay open into the morning hours,” he said.
Lee Heather, owner of the W, Molly's Irish Sports Pub and Shamrocks; said nightlife activity has decreased significantly.
He said this is “due to the pandemic and those who still live with their parents. The interaction at the bars or clubs still weighs heavily on those who live with the elderly.”
Both business owners said extending operational hours would help nightlife in Tumon.
Heather said, “The clear and decisive answer to the survival of the night life is to recognize the clientele's desires and wants. … We are in the hospitality business, which translates into meeting the needs and desires.”
Bill 238-38, introduced by Sen. Roy A.B. Quinata, would adjusting the hours of sale for “cabaret” and other businesses on the island to “contribute towards a safe and thriving nightlife in Guam.” The bill would allow businesses with an on-sale license to extend the sale of alcoholic beverages to 4 a.m.
Balydga said that he is in full support of Bill 238-37 “for its potential to significantly enhance public safety and invigorate our local economy.”
HeatherHeather said, “The beauty of the bill would allow the choice of proprietors to stay open to 2 a.m. or 4 a.m., as well as the opportunity to employ more staff and open more venues of opportunity for businesses.”
Concerns in the community have surrounded late-night drunk drivers and the safety of the community.
The Baldyga Group’s Club ZOH in Tumon.Baldyga said he believes the extension of operating hours would mitigate the “current binge-drinking culture precipitated” by the current closing hours. “Extending hours is not merely about allowing more time for consumption; it's about creating a more controlled, gradual winding down of nightlife activities, which was a common practice when establishments closed at 4 a.m.”
Guam now has affordable on-site taxis and other ride services that were not available years ago that people can take advantage of during late hours.
Balydga has also shown support for additional safety measurements surrounding the bill such as “enhancing server training as well as significantly increased licensing fees for late night operations that can potentially be directed to increased DUI enforcement and more frequent checkpoints, all of which can further ensure public safety,” he said.
Both business owners said the bill and the extension would accelerate our current economy and boost the nightlife scene.
“The economic benefits of extending operating hours cannot be overstated,” Baldyga said. “The pandemic and subsequent policy restrictions have severely impacted the nightlife sector, with employees, DJs, and entertainers facing substantial reductions in hours and income.”
The extension of hours would “provide his staff, entertainers and guests more opportunities to make more money, provide for their families and of course tourists and locals can enjoy an extended two hours of safe and fun entertainment,” he said.
The newly renovated Trifecta Guam located at the Blue Lagoon Plaza. Venues also promote healthy interaction, he said.
“Social media and other outlets — I believe — are creating introverts and social anxieties,” Heather said. “We need our young men and women to get outside their comfort zone and actually meet real people and understand and appreciate the true nature of a smile, laugh and meeting new people or friends in person.” mbj
