VIENTIANE: The government will tighten regulations to resolve the problems caused by entertainment venues, such as drug dealing, excessive noise levels, and late closing.
Addressing the National Assembly last week, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket said the ministry is in the process of strengthening the relevant laws, such as the Law on Tourism, to amend them in line with new government guidelines.
"Although government officials including local authorities have attempted to rein in the activities of clubs, bars and restaurants, several problems remain, causing disturbances of the peace and interfering with the process of law and order.
"The main issues concern drug use, prostitution, fighting, noise, and late closing times.
"These problems have not been resolved and are increasing, even though entertainment activities are under the control and management of local government bodies," Suanesavanh said.
To remedy the situation, the government will make appropriate changes to the Law on Tourism.
With regard to heritage and cultural affairs, Suanesavanh said one of the problems faced by the ministry is the limited budget available for the conservation and enhancement of heritage sites, meaning that plans cannot be fulfilled as required.
A larger budget is needed if the ministry is to carry out work to protect, preserve and enhance important heritage sites in a satisfactory manner, she added. - Vientiane Times/ANN
