HÀ NỘI — The northern province of Quảng Ninh will temporarily suspend the licensing of karaoke and discotheque services throughout the province to complete planning for these activities.

The information was released in a newly-issued document by the provincial People’s Committee on fortifying State management, ensuring social order and security and fire prevention and safety, and preventing social evils related to karaoke and discotheque services in the locality, Vietnam News Agency reported on Thursday.

Accordingly, local departments of culture and sports and people’s committees of districts, towns and cities are required to not grant licences for karaoke and discotheque activities.

Chairpersons of the People’s Committees should direct the review of all businesses providing karaoke and discotheque services in the province. The review will ensure that the facilities are strictly obeying fire prevention regulations and employing adequate staff. The inspectors will compile dossiers for monthly monitoring of fire fighting and control at karaoke and discotheque shops.
The provincial authorities called for the revocation of licences of shops that fail to ensure fire safety as well as adhere to employment regulations. Chairpersons of the people’s committees shall be held responsible for any fires and social evils occurring at karaoke and discotheque shops located in their areas. A full report of the inspections must be made to the provincial People’s Committee by April 30.

To strengthen the State management related to these entertainment activities, the province will also review and assess the decentralisation and authorisation for People’s Committees of districts, towns and cities to license karaoke services. This report must be completed by May 10. — VNS