Nightspots may operate longer

PAREPARE, South Sulawesi: Bucking the trend in other cities in the country, nightspots here have received support in their campaign to extend their operating hours.

Local police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Joko Pramono promised on Monday he would meet with the regency administration to discuss the possibility of allowing nightspots to operate two additional hours every day.

"The point is, we will follow up on the people's aspirations," Joko told Antara.

Currently, the nightspots are allowed to open for four hours on weekdays and five hours on Saturday night, starting from 8 p.m.

Joko, who took over as police chief here two weeks ago, said nightspots were necessary to enliven the town, so it would be beneficial to extend their hours of operation as long as it did not affect peace and order.

There are seven nightclubs and discotheques and dozens of cafes, mostly along the beach, in this predominantly Muslim town.

Joko suggested that nightspot owners officially ask the local administration to be allowed to extend their hours of operation. (dja)