Published
Tue, Jan 30, 2018, 12:06
- Three of Aoyama Hachi's staff members were arrested in the early-morning raid.
Police raided a club in Tokyo's Shibuya district for violating Japan's so-called no-dancing laws on Sunday.
Aoyama Hachi, a 200-capacity space open most nights of the week, was the club targeted in the raid, which was the first of its kind since the no-dancing laws were relaxed two years ago. Police arrested three staff members—including the manager and assistant manager—who later admitted to allegations regarding floor space, the presence of a DJ booth and the serving of alcohol. Police claim they warned the club, which had been the subject of noise complaints, about the violations prior to the raid.
Though the Japanese parliament relaxed the no-dancing laws in 2015, some venues still operate under strict conditions. They may open until 5 AM, but alcohol cannot be served and floor space must be at least 33 square metres.