MBPP lifts entertainment licence moratorium

THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has decided to end its moratorium on the issuing of entertainment licence at the UNESCO World Heritage Site in George Town.

MBPP Public Health and Licensing Standing Committee alternate chairman Wong Yuee Harng said the moratorium would be lifted on Sept 1.

“We’ve received a lot of applications for entertainment licence, especially in areas like Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Victoria, Love Lane, Lebuh Pantai and Weld Quay,” Wong told reporters after a full council meeting at the City Hall today.

“These are the hotspots. Because of the moratorium, they could not make it. So, we now want to open up the market to help them.

 

Wong (right) and Nur Zarina at the press conference.

“Since the Special Area Plan for the UNESCO World Heritage Site was implemented in September 2016, only Upper Penang Road, hotels, complexes and clubhouses have been allowed to conduct entertainment activities.

“But from Sept 1 this year, other premises owners can apply for the entertainment licence. We will, however, impose a licence fee five times the original rate. The licence has to be renewed on a yearly basis.”

The original rates are RM1,200 (musical), RM1,200 (singing) and RM660 (karaoke).

Wong said operators have to abide by the regulations as stipulated, like operating from 8pm to 3am, and those who violate the regulations will have their licence revoked.

 

Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis