BINMALEY - Business permits of eateries operating as videoke bars in this town will no longer be renewed for 2008 if they continue violating municipal laws, Mayor Simplicio “Sammy” Rosario said Thursday.

Rosario said the joints have sprouted along the national highway in barangay Naguilayan and Gayaman. The permits issued to them were for restaurants.

Instead of being open during the day like a restaurant or canteen should, the establishments are open during nighttime. There are reports that the night spots are operating as front sfor prostitution, he disclosed.

He said his office would be forced to close the restaurants if they continue to operate other than what are allowed in their permits.

Guest relations officers (GROs) who come from other places and are not being subjected to regular check-up have been reportedly frequenting the beer joints.

He said preservation of families was the main reason why he was making the move. Broken families often result in communities having red light districts in their midst, he noted. (DOS)