OSAKA (Kyodo) An ordinance went into force Wednesday in Osaka Prefecture that bans people under 16 years old from entering entertainment facilities such as karaoke boxes and bowling alleys after 7 p.m.
The prefecture said the regulation is stricter than similar ordinances in 43 other prefectures, which usually prohibit minors from visiting such facilities after 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.
Entertainment businesses in Osaka that allow minors inside now face a fine up to 300,000 yen.
Minors can still visit the entertainment facilities, except video game centers, until 10 p.m. provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The prefecture initially planned to ban minors with guardians from such places after 7 p.m., but the public opposed the idea, saying the measure was too strict.
On Wednesday, about 30 officials from the prefectural government distributed 5,000 pocket tissue packages in central Osaka to publicize the revised ordinance.