Vietnam temporarily halts licenses to new bars, karaokes and discos to fight prostitution
Vietnam's prime minister has ordered that no new licenses be granted to bars, karaoke parlors or discos as part of a crackdown on prostitution and drug use, state-controlled media reported Friday.
Prime Minister Phan Van Khai issued the decision Thursday, which applies to all 64 cities and provinces throughout the countries, the People's Army newspaper said.
"Since 1999 up to now, some business establishments have abused this type of business ... to offer naked dancing, use of heroin and Ecstasy," the newspaper quoted the instruction as saying.
Khai also ordered the Ministry of Public Security to launch crackdowns against violations at existing establishments, it said.
There are thousands of bars, karaoke parlors and discos across the country, many of which are fronts for prostitution and drug use.
Khai blamed the situation on the loose enforcement by local authorities and the lack of severe punishment against ruling Communist Party members who regularly frequent the establishments, the newspaper said.
The Communist Party has branded drug addiction, prostitution and gambling as "social evils" that must be wiped out.
The Associated Press - May 27, 2005.
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