HCM CITY — The District 1 People's Committee has set up a joint inspection team to check the operation of bars in Pham Ngu Lao Ward, which is informally called the "street of foreigners", and fine those establishments that break the rules and create noise in the early hours of the morning.

The move comes after complaints from hundreds of residents on De Tham, Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao streets. They said dozens of bars remained open until 4-5am and played music very loudly.

District 1 authorities have inspected 47 bars. They also measured the sound level at bars after 11pm. The levels were beyond the standard by 1.27 to 1.41 times (from 70-78 decibels).

Pham Ngu Lao Ward authorities have met with managers of more than 40 bars to ensure that their business activities comply with the law.—VNS