Swedish restaurants and clubs no longer require a dance permit
Sweden’s government has promised to remove “red tape” which restricts dancing in certain public places.
It recently considered a ten-year-old legal requirement for restaurants, barsand clubs to obtain state permission to offer dance at such activities. The permit costs about $67.
A restaurant, bar or club that allowed dancing without having such a document could lose its right to do business.
But a new government proposal says businesses only need to register with the local police to allow dancing. No payment is required under the proposal.
Gunnar Strommer is Sweden’s Minister of Justice. He said “it is not reasonable for the state to regulate people’s dancing.”
He said the proposal would reduce “bureaucracy and expenses’ for businessmen and those who organize dances.
Swedish media welcomed the proposed plan. The proposal requires the approval of the Riksdag. If lawmakers approve it, the new rule will go into effect on July 1.
I’m Dan Friedell.
Dan Friedell adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on an Associated Press report.
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Words in this story
red tape – n. a series of tasks usually performed by the government that feel unnecessary
bar – n. a place where people can go to drink alcohol
club – n. a place where people go to dance and drink
regulation – n. rules usually made by a government or management group
bureaucracy – n. a government system or business that has many complicated rules and ways of doing things
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