Nightspots to close on anti-drugs day

Nightspots to close on anti-drugs day

SEMARANG, Central Java: All nightspots in Central Java are expected to close temporarily between June 23 and June 26 in observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which falls on June 26, the governor's office announced in Semarang on Wednesday.

"We have instructed regents and mayors to appeal to all entertainment outlets to close during the event," said Mulyadi Widodo, deputy governor of Central Java.

He said nightspots had long been linked with the use and dealing of narcotics by their visitors, while the anti-drug day was meant to prevent and control narcotic abuse as well as to protect young people from the harmful effects of drugs.

Central Java has recorded an increase in the number of illicit drug users and. "Anti-drug activities in the region are therefore aimed at reducing the rising death rate caused by drug abuse," Mulyadi said. --Antara