China's police authority on Wednesday asked its local bureaus to clean up entertainment venues and clamp down on drugs, prostitution and criminal activities.

"Efforts should be stepped up to check illegal activities occurring in entertainment venues especially gang related incidents, drug dealing and taking, gambling, prostitution and sex shows," said a circular issued by the Ministry of Police Security.

The order came two weeks after China enacted a strict regulation for the operation of entertainment venues. It completely bans gambling, prostitution and other illegal activities on such premises.

There's been calls for stricter punishments for those involved. Venue owners who are warned three times in two years will have their business shut down the circular states.

The document also empowers police to close down the seedier venues which may have poor safety standards. Names of the entertainment venues which receive official warnings will be made public.

This type of business has grown into a huge money-spinner. Owners of many entertainment venues, including Karaoke clubs, snooker halls, computer game shops and various bars have been known to overlook criminal activities and safety issues relating to their premises as they pursue their profits.

It's said that owners of some of these establishments have connections with local police or officials while being involved in illegal activities. The circular made it clear that both police and officials would be held responsible for poor law enforcement if these crimes were allowed to continue on their turf. 

Local police chiefs could also be punished for covering-up on behalf of such establishments. In addition police with a financial interest in such places or not preventing family members from getting involved would face severe punishment.

(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2006)