~ Le Viêt Nam, aujourd'hui. ~
The Vietnam News

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[Year 2002]

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.