The halt has been effective since 2005 as a move to contain social evils including the use of ecstasy and prostitution in the clubs.

Due to public outrage on the proposed ban on dancing in karaoke lounges, the department realized that the ban should be “clearer and more specific,” Tuyen said.

He said the department had meant that karaoke and dancing were two different activities and they need different requirements for operation.

The ban on dancing in karaoke rooms would be replaced by a new regulation which “only allows businesses to operate dancing services in qualified venues,” he added.

Concerning the resumption of license granting to new karaoke clubs and discotheques, Tuyen explained that recently there had been a reduction in illegal activities in karaoke rooms and dancing bars thanks to strict policing by authorities.

He added the demand for karaoke clubs and dancing bars was still high and the stranglehold on new licenses may have reduced illegal activities but it also limited people’s wholesome entertainment activities.

Tuyen said his department had conducted a poll among 11 cultural authorities and all respondents agreed to resume the license granting to such entertainment establishments.

In the initial phase, any karaoke lounges or bars violating rules would be fined, said Tuyen.

The granting of new licenses would be based on government regulations and the zoning for the activities in each locality. Currently a total of 50 localities nationwide have the approved zoning for karaoke and dancing bars.

Extension for hi-end hotels

In the new draft, four- and five-star hotels could operate their dancing clubs and karaoke services until 2 a.m. as an extension from the current midnight limit. The time extension was proposed in the draft in April.

According to Tuyen, only four- and five-star hotels are allowed to operate for another two hours because they normally have better management and authorities would have the capacity to police them. Currently the nation has 130 four- and five-star hotels.

When asked why the draft was revised so many times, Tuyen said regulations must keep pace with society so when they are outdated, they must be revised. He added even developed nations had to revise their law many times.

Reported by Y Nguyen