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Night spots for druggies face fines or closure
(Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2005-11-23 09:13
Shanghai's 4,000 entertainment spots have been ordered to stop drug use and
post notices warning buyers and drug traffickers, said officials yesterday.
China has launched
a campaign against designer drugs after police found a surge in usage of
ecstasy. [sina] | Stiff fines will be imposed and
businesses can lose their licenses if they fail to crack down on drug use and
inform police.
Last Monday, the city launched a campaign against drugs such as ecstasy,
methamphetamine ice and ketamine, a veterinary anesthetic, in dancing and
singing clubs.
Authorities also have detected DVDs promoting the drugs. Officers will try to
prevent businessmen from luring customers to try drugs with audio-visual
products.
Information
Businesses will be forced to suspend operations for six months and fined
100,000 yuan (US$12,346), if patrons are taking drugs or involved in drug sales.
Serious violators will lose their business licenses.
Owners can avoid punishment if they tell police about their anti-drug
initiatives and timely pass on information about drug sellers.
The move was launched by the Shanghai Political and Legislative Committee,
local police, culture market authorities and the Shanghai Commercial and
Industrial Administrative Bureau.
This year, police have cracked 276 drug cases in entertainment venues,
netting 872 suspects and punishing 42 businesses.
Entertainment
Addicts to these drugs account for 23 percent of local known drug users, said
Zhu Ying, vice director of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau.
More students, office workers, overseas people and actors are taking these
drugs, often together in entertainment venues and having fun, the vice director
said.
Venues with drug cases have switched from disco and karaoke bars to hotels,
cafes and public bathhouses.
Tipsters providing useful information on drug crimes can receive bonuses of
up to 150,000 yuan. Hot line numbers are 2402-3396 and 2565-2409.
In 2004, there were 24,195 registered addicts in the city, 6,700 over
2003.
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