On 7 October, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket announced tighter enforcement of rules barring people under 18 from entering entertainment venues. Businesses that violate the rules face fines, suspension or revocation of their operating licences, and possible cancellation of their enterprise registration certificates.
The measures follow inspections that found widespread non-compliance among licensed establishments, including venues admitting minors. Authorities have instructed venues to check customers’ identification documents and verify their ages before allowing entry.
Operators must also meet standards for location, facilities, sound systems, electrical installations, services, and staff qualifications. All staff must be at least 18 years old.
Entertainment venues must be located at least 500 metres from educational institutions, hospitals, government offices, and international organisations. The ministry has also reiterated restrictions on operating hours after finding that some venues repeatedly breached them.
Businesses that fail to comply may face fines or have their operating licences suspended or revoked. The ministry may also ask commerce authorities to cancel their enterprise registration certificates. Operators who continue to operate unlawfully could face legal proceedings and prosecution.
Curb Underage Drinking
The enforcement drive follows concerns raised during the 10th National Assembly by Somboun Sihanat, a representative for Savannakhet Constituency. He said field monitoring had found that minors made up more than half of the customers at some pubs, bars, and entertainment venues.
Officials said the measures aim to curb underage drinking, anti-social behaviour, and noise pollution affecting nearby residents.
The ministry also plans to improve coordination between central and local authorities. Some local administrations had introduced rules without consulting central authorities, leading to inconsistent regulation of entertainment businesses.
Officials are also working to clarify the responsibilities of central, provincial, and district authorities in issuing, monitoring, and enforcing licences. Reporting requirements will continue to vary according to the type of licence.
Reporting requirements will continue to vary according to the type of licence.
