MONTEREY PARK : Private <i> Karaoke </i> Parties Temporarily Banned
Concern that businesses that cater to private karaoke parties may actually be fronts for prostitution and video sex prompted Monterey Park officials to temporarily ban the businesses, called KTV.
The newest twist on the popular karaoke bars, KTV has sprung up across the western San Gabriel Valley in buildings divided into small sound rooms for private karaoke sing-along parties. Deputies have not made any arrests at KTV establishments, but are conducting surveillance because of suspicions that such businesses are a haven for prostitution and gang activity and may be used for filming pornography.
The Monterey Park City Council voted 4-1 with Councilman Fred Balderrama against, to impose a 45-day moratorium on KTV while the city adopts rules to prevent illegal activities. Among rules being considered are requiring windows on all the rooms.
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