Beijing Cleans Up Nightclubs

Beijing has started a two-week campaign against prostitution and other illegal activities in nightclubs and entertainment centers, with emphasis put on those around the venue of the upcoming 21st World University Games.

Song Jinrong, a police officer, told Xinhua Wednesday the campaign was started Tuesday night when police and related local departments raided a dozen nightclubs and entertainment centers.

Nearly 30 girls, alleged prostitutes, were caught red-handed at an unlicensed bar on Meizi Street in Chaoyang District, eastern Beijing, which was closed down on January 9 for unlicensed operation.

Song said the police will inspect other key nightclubs and entertainment centers to make sure they abide by the law and relevant regulations, including those on fire-prevention.

(People's Daily 08/02/2001)