Andy,
" bizarre ban on billiards
Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN, Oct, 16, 2002 _ There have been some strange laws passed in the dubious democracies of Central Asia-- neighboring Turkmenistan banned ballet and opera. But Uzbekistan's decision to ban pool playing, or billards, has infuriated its fans, who were thrilled their favorite pastime recently elevated to an Olympic sport. The ban has been in place for a number of weeks, but no one knows which government department made the decision.
The Tashkent local government press service says the crackdown came after billiard clubs systematically flouted a 1998 city regulation, which requires all entertainment establishments to close by midnight. "Many stayed open until dawn, and several also sold alcohol without a licence. Drugs were sold in a number, and there were often fights and brawls, so the decision was made to close the clubs to lower the crime rate,' said city administration press secretary Dilshod Nazirov. But its not clear why a ban in the capital city got extended to the rest of the country."
Actually it's not an Olympic sport. Maybe they meant the World Games
" bizarre ban on billiards
Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN, Oct, 16, 2002 _ There have been some strange laws passed in the dubious democracies of Central Asia-- neighboring Turkmenistan banned ballet and opera. But Uzbekistan's decision to ban pool playing, or billards, has infuriated its fans, who were thrilled their favorite pastime recently elevated to an Olympic sport. The ban has been in place for a number of weeks, but no one knows which government department made the decision.
The Tashkent local government press service says the crackdown came after billiard clubs systematically flouted a 1998 city regulation, which requires all entertainment establishments to close by midnight. "Many stayed open until dawn, and several also sold alcohol without a licence. Drugs were sold in a number, and there were often fights and brawls, so the decision was made to close the clubs to lower the crime rate,' said city administration press secretary Dilshod Nazirov. But its not clear why a ban in the capital city got extended to the rest of the country."
Actually it's not an Olympic sport. Maybe they meant the World Games
