Bigger karaoke groups should mean bigger fines

Larger groups of violators will not take it seriously. If 10 people split the fine, each pays only about 40 dollars, barely a penalty.

Fines should scale with group size. A VND10 million (US$394) fine might work for one to three people, but in a large group, the pay per person drops significantly, making the penalty ineffective.

Bigger groups of people are not just louder, they are bolder. There is a sense of security in numbers, leading many to believe they can ignore the law. Some even become reckless, ready to start fights and endangering public safety.

Street brawls linked to noisy karaoke sessions show that larger groups are more likely to challenge authorities. This is why stricter penalties are necessary, not just higher fines, but a system that adjusts based on group size.

A loud speaker is placed on Pham Van Dong Street in HCMC's Go Vap District to serve karaoke demand of customers at a pub. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Bich

Here is my proposed penalty system for loud karaoke gatherings:

First, for groups of up to 3 people: VND10 million per person, plus 60 days of community service.

Second, for groups of 4 to 9 people: VND15 million per person, plus 60 days of community service, and confiscation of all speakers and electronic devices used to violate the law.

Third, for groups of 10 to 19 people: VND20 million per person, plus 60 days of community service, and confiscation of all speakers and electronic devices used to violate the law.

Fourth, for groups of 20 or more people: VND50 million per person, plus 60 days of community service, and confiscation of all speakers and electronic devices used to violate the law.

With this system, the more people involved, the more they have to pay individually, the more they are discouraged from blasting karaoke loudly. But without strict enforcement, even the toughest fines will not be effective.

What do you think?