Entertainment venues checked for drugs, prostitutes
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-03-16 14:04

China's police authority on Wednesday asked its local bureaus to clean up entertainment venues, clamping down on drugs, prostitution and criminal activities.

"Efforts should be stepped up to check illegal activities occurring in entertainment venues, especially gang activities, drug abuse and drug dealing, 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 bans gambling, prostitution and other illegal activities on the premises.

Local police were asked to impose more severe punishments on violators. Venue owners who are warned three times in two years will be obliged to shut down their businesses, the circular said.

The circular also asked police to close down seedy venues with poor safety standards. Names of the entertainment venues which receive official warnings will be made public.

China's entertainment industry has grown into a huge money-spinner. Owners of entertainment venues, including Karaoke clubs (KTV), snooker rooms, computer game parlors and various bars, usually overlook crimes or safety issues in their pursuit of profits..

Some owners have connections with local police or officials or even harbor prostitution, and engage in gambling or other illegal activities as ways to make more money.

The circular said police officials will be held responsible for lax law enforcement if prostitution, drug-abuse and gambling is rampant on their turf.

Local police chiefs will also be punished for covering such recreations. In addition, police caught running entertainment businesses or not halting their relatives from doing so will face severe punishment.