China to Monitor Recreational Sector

China will carry out a nationwide crackdown on prostitution, gambling and drug abuse in public recreational sites in the coming three months.

Any official who provides protection to violators will be severely punished, State Councilor Luo Gan said in a teleconference in Beijing on Friday.

Law enforcement will focus on video arcades, karaoke bars, sauna and massage parlors, as well as beauty salons, tea houses, bars and hotels, Luo said.

Luo said that some social ills, including prostitution, gambling, and escort services, have grown out of control in these public places.

Meanwhile, many entertainment businesses allowing these forms of illegal activities have admitted adolescents, Luo said.

He also warned that some officials in localities have turned a blind eye to the fact that illegitimate businesses are operating.

Luo urged the localities not to issue any permit to businesses in the targeted categories.

Furthermore, police and courts throughout the country are ordered to severely punish violators.



People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/