VietNamNet Bridge - Following the Bach Dang Ward’s decision to close Zone 9 – a favorite amusement zone for young people, artists and expats in Hanoi - before December 23, the Hanoi People's Committee has decided to shut down this "cooperative" before 15/1/2014, by administrative measures or even by force.

The appeal to the youth of Zone 9

This is the decision made by Hanoi’s Vice Chair Vu Hong Khanh.

Zone 9 is the former home of the Central Pharmaceutical Enterprise 2, which faces Tran Thanh Tong and Nguyen Huy Tu roads, Hanoi. This 11,000sq.m area consists of five blocks built in the 1960’s, located next to the Yersin Flower Garden.

After the pharmaceutical company was relocated to the suburbs, the Hanoi People's Committee assigned the Binh An Company to build a complex of office buildings and commercial centers here. However, Binh An leased the land to Tien Bo Company from August 1, 2013 through February 22, 2014.

Tien Bo again leased the land to Thanh Dat Company, which then leased the land to some individuals to open studios, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and fashion stores, turning Zone 9 into a famous amusement address in Hanoi.

In September 2013, the first accident occurred here. Two young girls were shooting on the 4th floor, then they fell to the third floor when the railing collapsed. After the incident, the local authorities have suspended granting business license in this zone.

On November 19, a fire at the Fuse Bar in Zone 9 killed six people.

After these fatal accidents, the authorities decided to close Zone 9.

Despite the Bach Dang Ward’s request to stop business operations in Zone 9 from December 23, many shops still opened that day. They said they would only close their shops when the authorities cut electricity and water supply.

Some traders said that they received the request on Saturday and they could not move their shops within two days to close on Monday, December 23. Some other said they did not receive the request yet so they would not close their stores.

Ms. Lai Thi Chinh, Director of Thanh Dat Company, said she would sue the Bach Dang Ward for its decision to close zone 9 because the decision affects the interest of 24 shops here.

"When Binh An and Tien Bo companies pay fully compensation for these shops, they will be moved immediately," Chinh said.

T. Van