Glimmer of Night Entertainment vs Permit Compliance

The glimmer of night entertainment venues in Karawang Regency, West Java, has developed alongside the growth of industrial areas and the increasing urban worker population in the region. In several locations such as Tuparev, Galuh Mas, Grand Taruma, and Telukjambe areas, there are numerous lounges, karaoke spots, resto bars, and night clubs that have grown into promising businesses. However, behind the sparkling lights and lively night music, there is a problem that has now become the main focus of the local government, namely business legality and alcohol beverage permits. In several sudden inspections conducted by Satpol PP together with related agencies over the past few weeks, it was found that there are still night entertainment venues operating without complete alcohol beverage permits. These sudden inspections of night entertainment venues are not merely routine oversight, but a response to suspicions that there are still night entertainment businesses operating without complete permits. This situation reveals a major problem; it turns out that the night entertainment industry in Karawang is growing faster than the readiness of regulations and administrative compliance. Data from the West Java Provincial Government shows that to date, there are 25 night entertainment venues in Karawang of the type discotheque, pub, karaoke/bar, and night club. This number does not include massage parlours and herbal kiosks that provide various alcoholic beverages. The proliferation of night entertainment venues distributing alcoholic beverages without proper permits has become a serious matter. Because the permit issue is one of the most vital requirements in night entertainment business operations. Permits are required because alcoholic beverages cannot be sold freely. Alcohol beverage sales permits are also only granted by the government to parties deemed worthy and having commitment and responsibility, as stipulated in Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 74 of 2013 concerning the Control and Supervision of Alcoholic Beverages. According to those provisions, alcoholic beverages can only be sold in designated places, such as hotels, bars, restaurants, and certain other locations. The sale of alcoholic beverages must also be done separately from other sale items. Then based on those regulations and Karawang Regional Regulation Number 10 of 2021, the circulation or sale of alcoholic beverages is also prohibited near youth arenas, street vendors, small kiosks, and terminals. In addition, the sale of alcoholic beverages is also prohibited near stations, campsites, places of worship, schools, and hospitals. The current situation shows that there are several night entertainment venues, especially karaoke spots in Karawang, whose locations are quite close to places of worship, even some of which are not far from hospitals and schools. Permits up to taxes