Many frequenters of lower level establishments may have been met with an unusual sight in those parts as of late; a sign on the door declaring it closed due to failed Health and Wellness Department inspections.

This organization isn’t unknown on the pleasure based Smuggler’s moon and patrons are welcome to seek out the bi-monthly report released that lists the grades of local,but those reports most often focus on businesses above a certain level on the high rises that cover the moon. Very rarely does the organization venture into the often smog covered layers to evaluate restaurants and bars that, frankly are not considered tourist grade level and therefore not worth the time and effort. Over the past few weeks that has been changing. Hole in the wall bars, brothels, and cut rate casinos have been closed on various infractions. Sometimes the businesses are able to correct the issue and re-open though a few have been forced into closure such as the Frisky Frigate pleasure house and the small though well loved sandwich shop, The Pickled Pole-Snake.

There are a few rumors floating that the ruling Hutts wish to strengthen their hold on the sector as Sith and Republic based businesses continue to expand in the independent space and are choosing to finance those plans by extorting the true working class of the moon. It does seem that the more independent businesses struggle while the ones that have theorized connections to well connected gangs are able to pay off the Hutt backed Health Department to re-open quickly with little interruption to business.

The Red Lantern, a busy dive bar in the Red Light Sector, was recently closed citing rodent infestation, improper chemical storage, and malfunctioning fire suppression systems. The owner, Jance Fetner was a bit vague in whether those problems were corrected before the business was able to re-open the following week. He was quoted as saying, “That cluster f--- of a department can’t keep their boot on the throat of the little guy!” This was stated as he was serving customers in the newly reopened bar and handing out little rat shaped pins that said ‘I survived the Red Lantern”. There have been rumblings that the bar has recently come under the protection of a growing Corellian gang presence in that sector, but that is as of yet unconfirmed.

In any case, the working class of Nar Shaddaa is once again put at the mercy of those who would seek to make use of them as they please. The changing climate of the world beyond the glittering high rises of Shaddaa will make the near future a bit more uncertain in how the Hutts intend to treat those that keep the smog laden pleasure moon running. If they aren’t careful, their citizens might seek out their own salvation and then where will the rotund ruling class be.