Entertainment zone operators facing clamp down

If your favorite watering hole in the Calle Uruguay entertainment district  puts up  its shutters soon, it will be because of a recent call by government inspectors.

They paid an evening visit to 16 premises in  Bella Vista’s partying district, and found only four in compliance with the law.

The operators will now have to make their visits to the Ministry of Commerce (MIci)  and be ready to face fines or closing.

Minister Ricardo Quijano, said the 12 owners must be accountable for their operations.

"Most violations are recorded on the sale of alcoholic beverages without a permit from the Mayor of Panama and  several businesses continue to violate regulations concerning commercial activity, "he said.

The national director of Mici, Virgilio de Sousa,  took it a step further and said it was the second inspection in the area, so there will be fines and cancelation of operating permits for repeat offenders.

First time offenders have  from 10 to15 days to put their papers in order but  repeat offenders, will have their  operating notices canceled.

The visits to bars, clubs and restaurants was carried out between 8:00 and 11:00 pm, on Thursday, March 22.

The four  locations that had their papers in order were Soho Music & Lunch, Barrafina, Hooters and Santos Café.