Local bar, Te Namo, will officially close today after two years operating in Matautu.

This was confirmed by the Owner, Manuele Puka, who was very sad about the closing.

The bar opened in  January 2017.

“It all started when I first came here to Samoa and this was my favorite spot – when Y-not bar closed I was a bit disappointed which is why I wanted to set up my own bar right here," he said.

“We rented from Jay Ah-Fook Schuster who is our landlord but the tide is turning for Te Namo, we have to begin a new chapter, and hopefully it’s a better one.

“I do admit we feel a bit sad but everything happens for a reason which is why we are moving to a different location."

The 38-year-old Tokelauan stated that they have found their location and it is located at where the previous nightclub known as Ace of Clubs.

“For the last three months, we have been scoping around for a new spot - we approached a lot of places but no luck until we found a good spot where the previous nightclub known as Ace of Clubs used to be but downstairs.

“The space right now is small and so we want to extend it and make it bigger – we are currently in negotiations with our new landlord Ray Ah-Liki and so far it's very good, he seems to be very supportive.

“We want to make sure that the new spot is better in terms of the decorations, set-up, the environment itself and also the staff especially our services and not forgetting the safety in reference to the security,” he added.

He also told the Samoa Observer that their first priority is for their customers to be treated equally.

“We want to do a lot of new changes like soundproof - so we won’t disturb the neighbours – we also hope everyone will be coming to join us on our last night, to have a last hurrah.

“I am grateful for the landlord for letting us rent their premises and especially for Paddles for putting up with us, and I hope our customers will understand and follow us.

 “Te Namo is Tokelauan for The Lagoon and because I am Tokelauan, I wanted the name to be from Tokelau and so the name reminds me of home.”