New regulations have been established for karaoke businesses and patrons in Vietnam, aimed at tightening control over noise levels, operating hours, and preventing social vices. The police have warned the public to comply with the law while enjoying karaoke entertainment.

To ensure effective management of public order, the government has outlined specific operating hours and penalties for karaoke establishments that violate these rules. According to Article 7 of Decree No. 54/2019/ND-CP, amended by Decree No. 148/2024/ND-CP, karaoke services are prohibited from operating between midnight and 8 AM daily.

Starting May 15, 2026, penalties for operating karaoke services outside of permitted hours will be enforced under the new regulations stipulated in Decree No. 87/2026/ND-CP concerning administrative violations in the fields of culture and advertising. Specifically, individuals found violating these rules may face fines ranging from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000 VND for various infractions, including:

• Providing services to individuals under 18 years old.
• Operating karaoke services outside of the designated hours.
• Altering or falsifying business licenses for karaoke services.

Moreover, the Criminal Code of 2015 (amended in 2017) has specific provisions regarding the illegal use of narcotics, outlining severe penalties for those who organize or facilitate such activities in karaoke venues.

Additionally, karaoke staff must adhere to uniform regulations, and failure to do so may result in warnings. Business owners are also held accountable for ensuring their employees are properly attired and identified.

The police have emphasized that lax management in karaoke establishments can lead to legal violations, urging both business owners and patrons to maintain vigilance. Individuals are advised to refuse entry to any illegal activities, adhere to operating hours, and carry valid identification for inspections.

In the coming months, police will intensify inspections of karaoke venues to detect any irregularities and enforce compliance, ensuring a safe and healthy entertainment environment for the community.