Vietnam's largest city imposes midnight curfew on karaoke and dancing
HANOI - Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City plan to crack down on the
nightlife
in Vietnam's largest city by imposing a midnight curfew on karaoke bars
and
discos, an official said Thursday.
Taking effect Oct. 9, the new regulations also dictate intoxicated
people
will not be allowed into these establishments, and drinks with more than
30
percent alcohol cannot be served, said an inspector in the city's
Culture
and Information Department.
Owners of karaoke bars and discos in the city, formerly named Saigon,
also
must not allow sexually provocative or violent behavior and can't employ
anyone younger than 18, said the official, who spoke on condition of
anonymity.
She said they must have licenses, which need to be renewed every two
years.
Officials contend drug dealing and prostitution take place in some
karaoke
bars and discos.
There are nearly 700 karaoke bars and about 50 discos in Ho Chi Minh, a
city
of about 6 million.
The inspector said city authorities closed three discos and dozens of
karaoke bars last year during a two-month crackdown on violations, and
32
more karaoke bars have been shut this year.
She added some of the new regulations were already issued in various
government decrees, but were difficult to enforce separately.
The Associated Press - September 26, 2002.
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