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Tokyo cops widen probe into Roppongi club Vanity

Club Vanity was busted on May 26 for licensing violations
Club Vanity was busted on for licensing violations on May 26 (Fuji News Network)

TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Wednesday expanded its investigation into popular night club Vanity Restaurant Tokyo, which was raided last month for licensing violations, reports the Sankei Shimbun (June 6).

Officers arrested proprietor Kim Byeong-cheol, 32, and seized a list of names of customers who have been banned from the club due to a variety of incidents that occurred between January and May. The document includes 97 names of patrons prohibited from entering the premises for troubles related to drugs, theft, groping, or violence.

The club, which is located in the Roppongi entertainment area, was originally cited on May 26. At around 2 a.m., officers entered the premises and arrested three employees, including 32-year-old manager Ken Ohara, for operating a venue that included a DJ booth and dance space in violation of the Law Regulating Adult Entertainment Businesses, which requires that such activities cease at midnight.

Kim, like previously arrested suspects, denies the allegations. “I am not aware of any dancing,” said the 32-year-old.

Musicians and club goers have campaigned in recent years to change the law to allow for dancing into the morning hours.

According to police, there were 140 complaints filed by citizens in the immediate area of the club concerning noise and other disturbances between January and April.

Approximately 22,000 customers patronize Vanity Restaurant Tokyo each month, with the club collecting more than 120 million yen in sales.