MONTEREY PARK : Moratorium on KTV Businesses Extended

The City Council has extended, possibly until next year, a moratorium on KTV businesses out of concern that such establishments have been used for video sex and prostitution.

Officials said Monday that they needed more time to regulate KTV, a popular pastime in which patrons rent private sound rooms equipped with sing-along and video equipment for karaoke parties. Law enforcement authorities say they suspect some people use the rooms for filming pornography, although no arrests have been made.

What was a 45-day ban that had been due to expire last week was extended for up to a year, or until the city develops laws to prevent illegal activity in KTV establishments.

Under consideration are rules such as requiring windows on KTV rooms and identification checks on patrons. Some Monterey Park council members said they would prefer a permanent ban on KTV.