Karaoke bars in Nghe An seek ways to reopen

Difficulties due to business interruption

Over the years,karaokeis one of the most volatile services in all industries. In Nghe An province, after more than 2 years of fighting the Covid-19 epidemic, hundreds of karaoke establishments have agreed to close to ensure safety and disease prevention for the community.

Many karaoke businesses have closed down or even gone out of business due to unfavorable business conditions in recent years. Photo: QA

By early April 2022, when the Covid-19 epidemic was under control, the Provincial People's Committee allowed karaoke services to resume operations. However, through the inspection process, many establishments providing this service did not ensure fire prevention and fighting work, and were forced to suspend operations or voluntarily stop operations to improve and ensure safety for customers using the service.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tai, owner of a karaoke business in Vinh City, said: In recent years, karaoke business has encountered many difficulties. The 2-year Covid-19 pandemic caused all activities to freeze, my family had no income. Shortly after reopening, many karaoke fires occurred across the country; for the safety of my family and the community, I submitted an application to temporarily suspend operations to repair and renovate the shop. Since then, the business has not been able to stabilize again.

Decorative and soundproofing materials in the singing rooms are made of flammable materials. Photo courtesy of BNA

Due to the continuous interruption of operations and lack of income, some karaoke establishments have had to close down and switch to other businesses. Khanh Nhi karaoke bar in Truong Thi ward, Vinh city has liquidated all equipment, speakers, tables and chairs... to completely stop providing this service after 11 years of operation.

The representative of this facility said: “The karaoke business in recent years has “hit rock bottom”, the epidemic has caused the family to lose income for a long time. Now the operation also has to meet many stricter conditions, especially fire prevention and fighting, and must invest in many more items, while the number of customers is decreasing, so we have stopped doing this service and switched to other industries...”.

Authorities inspect fire prevention and fighting work at karaoke bars in Vinh City. Photo: QA

In reality, karaoke is one of the special services. To build a karaoke room or bar, businesses must invest billions of dong. Many establishments and businesses have borrowed huge sums of money from banks to invest in equipment and upgrade rooms. The characteristic of karaoke and bar business is high investment in machinery and equipment. If not used for a long time, the equipment will be damaged, the rooms will be moldy; The cost of maintaining and servicing machines when not in use is also very high. Therefore, this is considered one of the most difficult times for this service.

Renovation to resume operations

According to our research, there are many shortcomings at karaoke service business locations that affect fire prevention and fighting work. These include the lack of equipment and installation of fire alarm and fire fighting systems; doors and escape stairs are not of sufficient size and quantity; fire prevention and fighting equipment is not sufficient or not synchronized; emergency lighting and escape instructions are not maintained regularly; materials and items are arranged to hinder rescue work, blocking and stuffing escape doors... Meanwhile, customers use lighters to light candles to celebrate birthdays, smoking is common, so there is always a high risk of fire and explosion...

An emergency staircase at a karaoke bar in Vinh City. Photo: QA

Therefore, in order to stabilize business, renovation and upgrading to ensure fire safety is mandatory. Currently, karaoke service business owners are aware of this issue and are renovating their facilities according to regulations.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha, owner of a karaoke bar in Hung Binh ward, Vinh city, said: From information about fires in karaoke establishments, we all realize the importance of fire prevention and fighting. Recently, my establishment has implemented synchronous solutions such as installing emergency exit doors; renovating the fire alarm system, equipping fire fighting equipment in all rooms, camera systems covering all rooms and walkways to monitor any abnormalities during operations...

Many karaoke businesses have proactively equipped themselves with fire-fighting equipment as required. Photo: QA

“On the afternoon of March 13, karaoke business owners met to discuss adaptation plans during this difficult period. All establishments agreed on the viewpoint of renovating and upgrading according to regulations to be able to resume operations as soon as possible,” Ms. Ha emphasized.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Kha - Captain of the Fire Prevention, Fire Fighting and Rescue Police Team, Vinh City Police said: The prerequisite for karaoke bars to be able to operate again is to fully and synchronously implement fire safety measures such as opening emergency exits, ensuring electrical systems, fully equipped fire fighting equipment, using non-flammable and difficult-to-burn materials... When the facility has fully implemented the regulations, the authorities will conduct inspection and assessment. If the facility fully meets the requirements, it will be allowed to operate again.

The exit at the karaoke bar must be clear and free of obstacles. Photo: QA

Previously, implementing the direction of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the plan of the Ministry of Public Security, on October 12, 2022, Nghe An Provincial Police issued a Plan to review and inspect fire prevention, fighting, rescue and relief safety in the whole province.

According to this Plan, Nghe An Provincial Police directs the police of units and localities to inspect fire prevention, fire fighting and rescue safety for 100% of establishments under the state management of fire prevention and fighting. In particular, focus on closely inspecting business establishments with conditions on security and order, large-scale establishments, crowded establishments, and establishments with high risk of fire and explosion. Resolutely handle all existing problems and violations of fire prevention and fighting according to regulations, absolutely do not let the situation happen where establishments do not ensure fire prevention and fighting safety, or are temporarily suspended or suspended from operation but still operate illegally, causing insecurity.

During the temporary closure, karaoke businesses are taking advantage of the opportunity to renovate and refurbish to welcome customers back as soon as possible. Photo: QA

The leader of the Fire Prevention, Fire Fighting and Rescue Police Department, Nghe An Provincial Police, said that the whole province currently has 386 karaoke establishments, bars, and pubs. By March 13, 100% of karaoke establishments in the province had been suspended or voluntarily committed to stop operating. Only 2 pubs are still operating, these are all very small-scale establishments and ensure fire safety criteria.