DENPASAR ~ Badung Tourism chief Made Subawa said this week that nightclubs can stay open only until 3am, in accordance with local laws, and that those failing to adhere to the time would be penalized.

His comments follow complaints from residents in recent months that some nightspots in Kuta and Legian were remaining open well past the permitted time.

Subawa said the closure time was spelled out in Regent Instruction No. 556/2237 of April 2001; the order also provides for 30 minutes cleanup time by staff.

The tourism chief in Bali’s biggest tourist area said that some nightclubs remained open until 9am, and had been observed by officials from his department.

He said owners had been interviewed and told they faced penalties if they failed to abide by the law.

The owners, meanwhile, requested that security be boosted in the areas they operate in, as many vehicles lined the streets and it was not possible for the nightspot staff to carry out security checks on them.

Subawa said he told the businesspeople he would discuss the matter with the relevant authorities.