China's police authority on Wednesday asked its local bureaus to
clean up entertainment venues and clamp down on drugs, prostitution
and criminal activities.
"Efforts should be stepped up to check illegal activities
occurring in entertainment venues especially gang related
incidents, drug dealing and taking, gambling, prostitution and sex
shows," said a circular issued by the Ministry of Police
Security.
The order came two weeks after China enacted a strict regulation
for the operation of entertainment venues. It completely bans
gambling, prostitution and other illegal activities on such
premises.
There's been calls for stricter punishments for those involved.
Venue owners who are warned three times in two years will have
their business shut down the circular states.
The document also empowers police to close down the seedier
venues which may have poor safety standards. Names of the
entertainment venues which receive official warnings will be made
public.
This type of business has grown into a huge money-spinner.
Owners of many entertainment venues, including Karaoke clubs,
snooker halls, computer game shops and various bars have been known
to overlook criminal activities and safety issues relating to their
premises as they pursue their profits.
It's said that owners of some of these establishments have
connections with local police or officials while being involved in
illegal activities. The circular made it clear that both police and
officials would be held responsible for poor law enforcement if
these crimes were allowed to continue on their turf.
Local police chiefs could also be punished for covering-up on
behalf of such establishments. In addition police with a financial
interest in such places or not preventing family members from
getting involved would face severe punishment.
(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2006)