As part of its new campaign against drug use in entertainment venues that launched this month, Beijing authorities have just opened up a new front in China’s general war on drugs: “disco” music.
On the first day of this month the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Public Security began its assault on drug use in karaoke bars, dance halls and various drinking spots, with up to 10,000 businesses said to be signing “responsibility agreements” in the near future. They face fines up to a couple thousand dollars and suspension of their operations for six months if there is “solid evidence” of “drug abuse” on their premises. Two karaoke bars have already been shutdown, with more to be suspended.
According to press reports from China about the crackdown on getting down:
“Because many drug takers regularly dance and go crazy to upbeat ‘disco’ music in private rooms, police have specially requested karaoke machines not have this music.”
Karaoke machines in private rooms must now be cleansed of upbeat music, along with “other forms of vulgar entertainment”.