Guangdong will clamp down on crime at entertainment venues in a bid to curb rising drug abuse and vice in the booming province.

In a report in the Information Times on Monday, a Guangdong Provincial Government circular said no new discos, nightclubs, bars, massage parlors, hair salons, game parlors or other entertainment venues would be approved except new hotels and restaurants.

According to official investigations, many entertainment venues in Guangzhou City are frequented by drug addicts. More than 90 percent of drug addicts caught by police were juveniles.

Following a crackdown, Guangzhou has cut the number of entertainment businesses in the city from more than 20,000 to about 7,000.

Under the new rules, police who approve the establishment of the businesses will now be held accountable for any criminal activities on the premises.

The businesses will be suspended if at least 10 people are found to be involved in drug-related activities. Parlors will be closed if the number exceeds 20.

(Shenzhen Daily August 26, 2003)