Excessive Entertainment

Under the Amusement Business Act, sitting beside a guest to chat and pour drinks is settai, and a venue that offers it, such as a hostess club, lounge or host club, must hold a public safety commission licence as a hospitality venue. Most girls bars and concept cafes do not hold one and operate with staff serving across the counter. If staff at such a venue sit down beside you and entertain you, the venue is operating beyond its licence.

The other case is going beyond settai at a licensed hostess club: sexual contact with a cast member, or asking for it. The hospitality licence covers conversation and drinks and nothing more. A guest who asks is treated as causing a disturbance and is asked to leave.

For a visitor this means two practical things: when girls bar staff do not sit with you it is a difference in licence, not coldness, and a hostess club is a place for conversation.