VietNamNet Bridge - For the first time, the sanction of banning artists from performances has been included in the draft decree on sanctioning of administrative violations in cultural activities, physical education, sports and tourism. The draft document has been published by the CP for public comment.

Singer Thu Minh in controversial outfit.

The current Decree 75/2010/ND-CP does not have the provision on prohibiting artists from performance if they break violations on art performances and fashion shows. However, before the rise of the violations in this area, particularly the scandals related to model Hoang Yen (revealing her breasts on the catwalk) and pop singer Dam Vinh Hung (kissing a Buddhist monk,) the sanctioning of administrative violations in cultural activities, physical education, sports and tourism are enhanced in a draft decree complied by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Specifically, the organizers and the performers can be fined from VND10 to VND20 million ($500-1,000) for willingly changing the contents of the performances after being licensed.

A fine of between VND20 million and VND30 million ($1,000-1,5000) will be imposed on one of the following acts: Organizing art shows or fashion shows for foreigners or foreign art troupes in a public place without a license or with the contents that is not licensed; Vietnamese people have performing acts abroad without permission of competent agencies; Organizing or performing shows with contents spreading social evils, superstition or being harmful for habits and customs of Vietnam; offending against the reputation of organizations, the honor and dignity of individuals...

According to the draft decree, performers or the organizers of shows with pornographic or violent contents or sending models abroad to participate in competitions or fashion shows without a license will be subject to a fine of VND30 - VND40 million.

Performing prohibited works or organizing or performing art and fashion shows with the contents distorting history, denying revolutionary achievements, offending people and national hero will be fined from VND40 million to VND50 million.

In particular, for the first time, the Government may issue additional penalty: banning from performances in the period from 6 to 24 months for these violations.

At a conference held last week, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said that the violations in the field of performing arts and fashion show increased because sanctions are not strong enough to make deterrence. The proposed aggravating penalty in the above draft decree is a tough measure in reorganizing the performing arts.

Currently, the draft decree is being consulted widely before it is officially adopted and promulgated. It is expected that the Decree can take effect from July 1, 2013.

TTVH