Cuban authorities have ordered the immediate closure of dozens of privately run cinemas and video-game salons.
In a statement on November 2, the government said that the businesses have "never been authorized" and defended its decision to instill "discipline" in the private sector.
President Raul Castro, who replaced his brother Fidel in 2008, has instituted a series of market-oriented reforms to the communist island.
He opened up retail services to "self employment" in the form of nearly 200 licensed activities such as taxis and small restaurants.
Some entrepreneurs used these licenses to operate backroom movie and entertainment parlors.
In a statement on November 2, the government said that the businesses have "never been authorized" and defended its decision to instill "discipline" in the private sector.
President Raul Castro, who replaced his brother Fidel in 2008, has instituted a series of market-oriented reforms to the communist island.
He opened up retail services to "self employment" in the form of nearly 200 licensed activities such as taxis and small restaurants.
Some entrepreneurs used these licenses to operate backroom movie and entertainment parlors.