HCMC police inspect Bui Vien bars, restaurants

During the crackdown, police found two restaurants illegally organizing art performances without permission from local authorities. Three dancers were held by police for further investigation, Cong An newspaper reported.

At present, karaoke parlors are only allowed to operate from 8 a.m. until midnight while bars and dance clubs can open until 2 a.m.

Police said all these business establishments were given fines.

Under the current regulations, dance clubs found operating after 2 a.m. are fined up to VND20 million ($868) while karaoke parlors that stay open after midnight would be slapped with a fine of up to VND15 million.

Bui Vien walking street is 1,400 meters long and is surrounded by an array of bars, discotheques, dance clubs and restaurants, creating one of Vietnam's busiest nighttime businesses.

Recently, police have inspected business establishments in Bui Vien as part of efforts to ensure safety and security for foreigners.

Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Security last April swooped on several pubs and bars in Bui Vien and detected canisters of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as well as shisha without any invoice.

Vietnam has been studying several night-time economy models to help attract tourists and increase spending. Security has been a major reason keeping the government from following suit.