No new Internet bars this year

The country will not allow new Internet bars to open this year to prevent juvenile crime and addiction, according to a directive issued yesterday.

"In 2007, local governments must not sanction the opening of new Internet bars," said the notice by 14 departments that include the Ministry of Culture, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Information Industry (MII).

"Bars that have received approval prior to the issuance of this notice need to be set up before June 30, 2007," it added.