JUBA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in South Sudan's capital Juba on Friday agreed to lift a ban on night clubs following complaints from local musicians and human rights activists in the city.
The ban was lifted following a meeting between local government and the artists union on Thursday.
Local musician MC Lumoex who represented the South Sudan Artists Union during the talks told Xinhua that the local government has allowed a few night clubs to resume operations.
Local authorities in Jubek State on May 11 shut down all night clubs in Juba city over what they called 'bad immoral activities involving teenagers'.
But the move attracted widespread criticism from entertainers who argued that the ban would affect the incomes of artists who often survive on revenues from music concerts.
Stephen Lugga, minister of information in Jubek State told state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Cooperation on Friday morning that the government will allow the operation of night clubs that adhere to new rules. The new regulations prohibit operation of night clubs in residential areas and deny teenagers access to night clubs.
"Some of the clubs that will not meet the requirements will not close down completely, but they will be operating as bars or restaurants but with less noise because some of them are situated in residential areas," Lumoex added.
