Skopje, 18 March 2025 (MIA) - The State Market Inspectorate carried out about 50 inspections of cabarets and nightclubs over the past couple of days, establishing that 22 businesses held valid licenses, 15 had expired licenses, while a few did not have them at all, Government Spokeswoman Marija Miteva said on Tuesday.

Of the 13 facilities in Skopje, only two held a cabaret license, eight were expired, while three did not have a license at all.

"In Kumanovo, three facilities had a cabaret license; in Shtip, Vinica and Delchevo one facility per town registered as cabaret, all holding a valid license; Strumica - three nightclub licenses and one expired license; Gevgelija - one nightclub license; Bitola - three cabaret licenses and one nightclub license; Prilep - two facilities with an expired license; Kavadarci - one facility holding a license; Negotino - one facility with an expired license; Veles - one cabaret license; Ohrid - three facilities with valid licenses, one license expired; Kichevo - one cabaret license; Gostivar - one expired license; Tetovo - no data about four facilities and two with expired licenses," Miteva told a press conference.

Today, the Inspectorate checked the 22 facilities holding valid licenses and whether they meet the minimum technical requirements. Information from these inspections will be available in the coming days.

The Inspectorate closed the facilities with expired licenses and the ones having none at all, until they provide the required documents and upon inspections regarding the minimum technical requirements.

"Licenses are also checked in the Ministry of Economy, i.e. whether the filing of licenses is abused," noted Miteva.

Asked if the inspections would continue, the Spokeswoman said the Government would "investigate and proceed on everything after the Kochani tragedy", adding that every step will be made public.

MIA file photo/ Government YouTube screenshot