From the practice of a series of karaoke bar fires causing great damage to both people and property, realizing many outstanding problems in fire prevention, and fighting ("fire protection") at businesses of this type of service, on 02 October 2016, the Hanoi City’s Communist Party urgently issued Notification No. 456-TB/TU ("Notice 456"), give drastic instructions to strengthen fire protection management. Notice 456 reads: "Assign the Department of Culture and Sports to coordinate with the authorities of the city, districts and towns to suspend the issuance of karaoke business licenses... Request karaoke service businesses... must be fully equipped with fire protection equipment, use fireproof materials as prescribed, install fire alarm systems, automatic fire letters; publicize emergency exit diagrams and guide emergency exits to people before using services." Since that time, districts have not issued licenses for karaoke services under any circumstances.
After more than 6 years of suspending the issuance of karaoke business licenses, on April 3, 2023, the Hanoi People's Committee issued Dispatch No. 934/UBND-KSTTHC ("Dispatch 934") directing the People's Committees of districts and towns in the city to continue implementing administrative procedures for issuance of business eligibility licenses, license adjustment license eligibility for karaoke service business. This is an opportunity for new businesses to be licensed and carry out this service business.
However, Official Dispatch 934 does not apply to facilities that are suspended during the general inspection and review as directed by the Government Office in Dispatch 5910/VPCP-NC dated 08 September 2022. Up to now, there have not been any reports or instructions showing that these facilities have met the conditions on fire protection, security and order and can return to normal operation.
Dispatch 934 takes effect from the date of issue.
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