Skopje, 25 March 2025 (MIA) - The Ministry of Economy and Labour will draft in the coming period amendments to the law on hospitality to ensure that minimum technical requirements for operation are checked before a license is issued, as was the case before 2008, Economy Minister Besar Durmishi said Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, he said that at a government session held on March 18 the Ministry was tasked with drafting amendments to the law. 

"The amendments will enable verification of minimum technical requirements for operation to be carried out before a license is issued. Thus, before being submitted as an accompanying document in the license application, the application over meeting the minimum technical requirements for performing hospitality services, will need to have a confirmation of its authenticity from the State Market Inspectorate," said Durmishi. 

He noted that the Ministry of Economy and Labour is committed to ensuring that the law is respected, adding that anyone who has committed a crime should be held accountable. 

"Citizens have the right to be properly informed, and to demand accountability. The justice they seek must be established," Durmishi said. 

Asked how many cabaret licenses have been issued during his term in office, Durmishi said he did not know the exact number, adding that the Ministry's archive has a total of 24 active licenses issued, of which 18 are for cabarets and the rest are for nightclubs. Regarding those who do not hold a license but are still operating, he pointed out that there are other competent authorities that should inspect and sanction them accordingly.

On whether he believes his predecessor is guilty, he said it was not in his competence to give any opinion on that, and it was not his place to say anything about it.

He pointed out that the new legal solution will increase the value of fines so as to prevent tragic events like the one in the 'Pulse' nightclub in Kochani.

Photo: MIA archive