Vientiane authorities are keeping a close watch on the capital's two
main nightclubs, which have been warned for repeated violation of
official regulations by staying open beyond the official closing time
and allowing underage children to enter.

The two nightclubs, Meena and Romeo, are both located in Sisattanak
district, where young people congregate until midnight on most
nights.

Director of the Vientiane Information and Culture Department, Ms
Vanpheng Keonakhone, said on Friday the department was collecting
information regarding the performance of the two nightclubs, and that
the monitoring process would be finalised early next month.

“If we find that they are continuing to ignore the regulations, we
will fine them first,” she said. “The fine will be at least 5 million
kip, and we'll then give them one more chance before ordering them to
close.”

This is part of efforts by authorities to ensure better entertainment
management in the capital, and to address social problems involving
underage children, whose education is being affected by spending time
in nightclubs.

In May, authorities ordered the closure of three nightclubs - Xayxana,
Khonepasong and RCA - in central Vientiane .

In addition, the owners of several nightclubs that failed to follow
the new regulations have been encouraged to set up alternative
businesses.

The new regulation was issued by the Committee on Entertainment
Management in March, banning children under 18 from entering
nightclubs and requiring nightclubs to close at 11:30pm.

But a number of children under 18 have been spending time in
nightclubs over the long school holiday, which reflects the lax
implementation of the new regulation.

Some owners ostensibly closed their nightclubs at 11:30, but allowed
people to continue drinking and eating inside, according to local
residents.

Ms Vanpheng has pledged that from next month authorities will not
allow this sort of behaviour on the part of nightclub owners; all
clubs must close at 11.30 pm with no exceptions, and those caught
staying open will be fined.

She added that there were several important events planned for the
capital at the end of this year, and the authorities wanted everything
to be in order when overseas visitors came to Laos .

In Vientiane , there are around 23 nightclubs, 29 karaoke bars and
numerous beer shops.

Last month, Vientiane authorities convened a meeting with the owners
of nightclubs and beer shops, calling for more cooperation in relation
to the new regulation.

The Deputy Governor of Sik hottabong district, Mr Thongthip Sivixay,
confirmed that since the new regulation has been implemented,
Sikhottabong district authorities have ordered the closure of Seua
Hong Hay Nightclub in Vattay village.

Mr Thongthip said the closure was because the nightclub did not meet
standards stipulated in the new regulation. For example, its location
was inappropriate, it lacked adequate parking space, and children
under 18 were often admitted.

Authorities have also encouraged some club owners to install more
lights for safety reasons and ensure loud noise is minimised so as not
to disturb nearby residents.

By Somsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update September 24, 2007)