North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced on 19 March that over 80% of the country’s nightclubs and discotheques will be closed for failing to meet minimum technical and safety requirements, according to bne IntelliNews.
The decision follows a devastating fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani on 16 March, which killed 59 people and injured nearly 200.
Government spokesperson Marija Miteva revealed that inspections of 12 licensed nightclubs found three operating without meeting basic technical conditions, while checks on the remaining nine are ongoing. More than ten inspection teams are conducting nationwide reviews, with plans to revoke licenses, ban operations, and impose legal penalties on non-compliant venues.
What happened in Kocani is not just an isolated tragedy – it is a symptom of a broken system inherited from years of corruption. We will neither turn a blind eye nor protect. I want to emphasise that we understand the frustration. People are demanding justice and they will get it.
Seven police officers have been detained for 30 days in connection with the Kocani tragedy. They are accused of issuing permits for the operation of the Pulse nightclub, which lacked proper safety measures. The Basic Criminal Court in Skopje approved the prosecution’s request for detention, citing the severity of the charges.
Prime Minister Mickoski emphasised that the tragedy highlights systemic issues that must be addressed to prevent future disasters.
Following the tragedy in Kocani, the Market Inspection launched nationwide controls, reviewing nightclub and cabaret licences. Of the 60-70 venues checked so far, even those with formal permits do not meet the necessary requirements.
The government’s crackdown on unsafe nightclubs is part of a broader effort to restore public trust and ensure compliance with safety regulations. As inspections continue, authorities are committed to holding accountable those responsible for the Kocani fire and preventing similar incidents in the future.
