Bogor nightspots told to close for Ramadhan

BOGOR (JP): The Bogor administration called on the management of local entertainment centers to cease operations from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30 to allow Muslims to perform their religious duties in peace, an official said on Monday.

Bogor administration spokesman Dewi Kurnia said the policy was issued following an agreement between the administration and operators of entertainment centers over the weekend.

She said the administration would not hesitate to revoke business permits of those who ignored the policy and kept their businesses open during the fasting month of Ramadhan and the post-Ramadhan Idul Fitri celebration.

Dewi said the administration would not allow discotheques, pubs and live music and karaoke venues in hotels and restaurants to operate during the period, and would limit the hours of operation of billiard and game centers to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The head of the Bogor administration's economic division, Achmad Syarief, said there were 13 amusement centers and 15 game centers in the area. (21/lup)