Nightspots closed during Ramadhan

SURABAYA: Nightspots in Surabaya will be closed during the fasting month of Ramadhan, with only hotels allowed to stage music performances in their restaurants, an official said on Tuesday.

Head of Surabaya municipal administration's community protection and national unity agency, Suyitno Miskal, said that based on bylaw No. 6/2003 on tourism businesses, nightspots would be closed for the entire fasting month.

The nightspots, he said, included discotheques, pool halls, karaoke lounges, massage parlors and pubs. During the fasting month, red light districts are also required to cease operation, he added.

He said violators would receive a warning from the administration and repeat offenders would have their permits revoked.

"We'll also conduct raids in red light districts and nightspots during Ramadhan," Suyitno said. -- JP