The Battambang Provincial Administration has closed down and revoked the licences of two restaurants for violating health safety measures intended to prevent the spread of Covid-19 by secretly running karaoke rooms and serving alcohol despite the ongoing ban.

The two restaurants are Hang 9999 and Ko Dot Mlop Dong located in Wat Kor village of Battambang town's Wat Kor commune.

“The two restaurants have secretly opened karaoke rooms and have been serving their patrons alcohol, violating Covid-19 restrictions,” said the decision signed by provincial governor Nguon Ratanak on September 28 but only made public on October 3.

“In order to strengthen administrative measures against Covid-19, the provincial administration hereby revokes the tourism licences of Ko Dot Mlop Dong and Hang 9999 restaurants,” it said.

The owners of both restaurants will also be fined in accordance with the law.

The decision to revoke their licences was made after the provincial Department of Tourism submitted a report to Ratanak on September 20 following an inspection.

The report said the department and police had inspected restaurants, cafes and food stalls on the streets throughout Battambang town.