Closed discos back in business

Closed discos back in business

JAKARTA (JP): The owner of B-1 denied press reports yesterday that the authorities had closed his discotheque for operating after closing time and for being a site used for drug transactions, especially for the banned drug "ecstasy".

"We only offer good music, beverages, and an enjoyable ambience to our clients," Joko Sudarjo said, adding that there were no prostitutes doing business there either.

But he acknowledged that the disco located on Jl. Sudirman, one of the city's main thoroughfares, operated until 3 a.m. on Sundays and 2 a.m. on the other days. "But I believe other discotheques in the city also do the same."

Kompas daily reported on Tuesday that several discotheques that had also been closed down by city authorities recently were now back in business.

A city official, who refused to be identified, said the authorities allowed the discotheques to resume operations after their owners promised not to operate after hours or permit the trafficking of illegal drugs.(29)