DBKL shutters unlicensed nightclubs in housing areas

KUALA LUMPUR (August 4): Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) recently shut down entertainment establishments in the housing area of Jalan Berangan, Kuala Lumpur, after complaints by neighbours.

The Star reported that the establishments in question are Ben’s Latino Rum Bar, Oscar Arabic Night Club and Restaurant, both operating without the required valid premises, liquor and entertainment licences. 

DBKL conducted a raid, early Thursday morning, with Customs Department officers present and issued closure notices. 

DBKL Enforcement (Licensing Division) head Ahmad Tarmizi Baharom told the Star that notices had previously been issued, since 2016, and musical equipment and entertainment items had been confiscated up to seven times, but it had done nothing to halt operations. 

“We will usually issue compound notices and confiscate their items but they would be allowed to operate once they reapplied for the proper licences and fulfilled the conditions.

“But enough is enough. We have given them many chances but they continue to flout the law.

“This time we took a firm stand and closed both establishments as the operators continued to defy our rules,” he said.
This marks the first time DBKL has issues closure notices to such establishments. 

Enforcement was taken under the Section 4 (1) (b) of the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Entertainment Act 1992 for conducting entertainment activities without a valid business licence.

The daily also reports that customs enforcement officers seized 30 bottles of liquor, issuing one compound notice under Section 133 of the Customs Act 1967.

DBKL Licensing and Petty Traders Development Department director Anwar Mohd Zain told the Star that if the seals were tampered with, court action could be taken against the operators.

“We will not hesitate to pursue the matter to the fullest extent of the law.”

During the raid, 75 DBKL, Customs Department, and police officers to check licences and issue notices. Another venue was also found to be operating without a valid licence. 

Customs left with a lorry full of liquor bottles. 

The Star previously reported that the residents next door to the establishments in Jalan Berangan had endured noise from 10pm to 3am, daily since 2016.

Previous complaints to DBKL had gone unresolved.