Meuang Lao, one of Vientiane 's most popular nightclubs, was ordered to close last week by Vientiane authorities, who are also carrying out investigations into several other nightclubs.
The Director of the Vientiane Information and Culture Department, Ms Vanpheng Keonakhone, said last week that the managers of Meuang Lao had repeatedly violated new regulations, keeping the club open past 11.30 pm, and allowing teenagers to fight on the premises.
“We are planning to order the closure of three or four more nightclubs for similar violations,” she said.
Meuang Lao is located at Km 3, a popular entertainment area in Vientiane , and is owned by Ms Bee, who owns several nightclubs and guesthouses in Vientiane .
These include the Vanmala Guesthouse, which was damaged by a fire last month in which five people were killed, and the Vatsalaphone nightclub, which was also damaged irreparably by a fire earlier this year. She also owns the popular Meena nightclub.
Ms Vanpheng explained that because Meuang Lao is located in the same area as a number of foreign embassies, authorities wanted to maintain extra security, especially during the 23 rd Francophonie Ministerial Meeting to be held in Vientiane from November 20-21.
The authorities will hold a meeting this week calling on entertainment venue owners to discuss any issues they may wish to raise, and to urge them to follow nightclub regulations during this time.
“We can't confirm when the Meuang Lao nightclub will reopen, as this will depend on the outcome of the meeting with its owner,” Ms Vanpheng said.
The state-owned building that houses the nightclub was built before the liberation of Laos in 1975, and Ms Bee took over management several years ago; the lease on the building runs until 2012.
Ms Bee is unavailable for comment as she is currently out of the country.
Authorities are now working with villages to ensure all venues are properly implementing the new regulation that was issued in March, banning children under 18 from entering nightclubs and requiring all nightclubs to close at 11.30 pm.
In Vientiane , there are around 23 nightclubs, 29 karaoke bars and numerous beer shops.
Since the implementation of the new regulation, several nightclubs have been ordered to close, but the problem of underage children spending time in nightclubs has been a recurring issue.
Some owners of several nightclubs that have failed to follow the new regulation have also been encouraged to set up alternative businesses.
Sounds like Miss Bee is being targetted by someone. And good for them! Two fires? Coincidence? No way, there is a business war going on. Everyone knows she also runs brothels and her bAAstard sons drive around town in their stupid cars with the music turned up looking for fights. These super-rich people do not care about Laos, they just want to make money and could not care if they kill other people. They should all be arrested.
I don't like it. Bad for business but if the don't manage the place correctly, safely, and follow the regulations then they need to be shut down.
Another note:
The state-owned building that houses the nightclub was built before the liberation of Laos in 1975, and Ms Bee took over management several years ago; the lease on the building runs until 2012.
That make me LOL! It is no f*n liberation, it was a take over. Pathet Lao and other parties were to share the goverment but while other partied were off some place for a huge meeting (they were suppose to be there too) they rolled into town and took over.
I have to admit they place nice game. Uncle Ho was good teacher.
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"Because I criticized Laos government and it policies, it does not mean I want Laos to remain poor nor do I think Lao people are lazy or uneducated."
Yes i do agree that Ms. Bee hass a lot of enemy. Two fire occured at her nightclub and killed many people. I think she should have a rest for her business and the police have to work hard to find out the true.
Ms Bee probably have missed a few "insurance payments" to those high official thugs and now they want to destroy her businesses. What can lao police do ? zip - nothing - nada - rien. They are just monkeys.
