Angry Bolivians ransack bars

Updated 10.05 Wed Oct 17 2007
Keywords: pub, brothel, Bolivia

A community in Bolivia has taken justice into their own hands after local legislators failed to approve a law that forbids pubs and brothels from operating near schools.

Furious over claims of bars selling alcohol to minors, residents in El Alto have broken into bars and ransacked them.

"We're attacking these clubs and bars because we all want them closed. The parents are indignant right now" - Gregoria Salcedo

The attacks began on Sunday after a mother reported she had discovered students between the ages of 12 and 16 drinking alcohol during school hours.

One protester, Gregoria Salcedo, said parents were fed up.

"We're attacking these clubs and bars because we all want them closed. The parents are indignant right now," he said.

Local newspapers reported some bars had hidden hallways for underaged consumption.

Protesters are demanding the government approve new regulations for more strict control in bars and clubs.

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