From January 1, 2010, the issuance of business registration certificates and licenses for karaoke parlors, discotheques and video game shops will be resumed after more than four years of suspension.
However, Government Decree No. 103/2009/ND-CP of November 6, promulgating the Regulation on cultural activities and public cultural service business, requires provincial-level People’s Committees to work out plans on these public cultural services and establishments before licensing local karaoke parlors and discos.
Every licensed establishment must be at least 200 meters from a school, hospital, religious work, historical relic or state office and cease its operations by 12 pm daily. A disco must have at least 80 square meters of ballroom space and satisfy regulations on fire prevention and fighting, noise and lighting. A karaoke parlor must obtain consent of adjacent households before opening. A video game shop is not allowed to open during 10 pm - 8 am. The director or manager of such an establishment must possess at least an intermediate degree of cultural specialization.
Discos and karaoke parlors not managed by travel accommodation establishments and already licensed under Decree No. 11/2006/ND-CP of January 18, 2006, may continue their operation until the expiration of their licenses. To obtain new licenses, they must file applications under this Decree.