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