BEIJING, Nov. 23 -- 4,000 entertainment spots in Shanghai have been ordered to stop drug use and post notices warning buyers and drug traffickers, said officials yesterday.

    Stiff fines will be imposed and businesses can lose their licenses if they fail to crack down on drug use and inform police.

    Last Monday, the city launched a campaign against drugs such as ecstasy, methamphetamine ice and ketamine, a veterinary anesthetic, in dancing and singing clubs.

    Authorities also have detected DVDs promoting the drugs. Officers will try to prevent businessmen from luring customers to try drugs with audio-visual products.

    Information

    Businesses will be forced to suspend operations for six months and fined 100,000 yuan (US$12,346), if patrons are taking drugs or involved in drug sales. Serious violators will lose their business licenses.

    Owners can avoid punishment if they tell police about their anti-drug initiatives and timely pass on information about drug sellers.

    The move was launched by the Shanghai Political and Legislative Committee, local police, culture market authorities and the Shanghai Commercial and Industrial Administrative Bureau.
This year, police have cracked 276 drug cases in entertainment venues, netting 872 suspects and punishing 42 businesses.

    Entertainment

    Addicts to these drugs account for 23 percent of local known drug users, said Zhu Ying, vice director of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau.

    More students, office workers, overseas people and actors are taking these drugs, often together in entertainment venues and having fun, the vice director said.

    Venues with drug cases have switched from disco and karaoke bars to hotels, cafes and public bathhouses.

    Tipsters providing useful information on drug crimes can receive bonuses of up to 150,000 yuan. Hot line numbers are 2402-3396 and 2565-2409.

    In 2004, there were 24,195 registered addicts in the city, 6,700 over 2003.

(Source: Shanghai Daily)