Hsinchu Councilor Slams Lack of Penalties for Mahjong Parlors Near Schools; City to Revise Ordinance

(Central News Agency, Hsinchu City, June 4, Reporter Lu Gang-jun) DPP Hsinchu City Councilor Yang Ling-yi on Wednesday pointed out that mahjong parlors are proliferating in the city, often located near schools, yet there is no autonomous ordinance to regulate them. She criticized the city government for administrative inaction, noting that high school students have been seen playing mahjong in these parlors while wearing their school uniforms.

During a question session at the Hsinchu City Council, Yang stated that residents had complained about a mahjong parlor opening near a school, with many students visiting after class in uniform. Despite repeated complaints from parents and neighbors, the city government has taken no action.

Yang noted that the DPP caucus proposed last year that the city government restrict recreational venues like mahjong parlors and Texas Hold'em poker rooms from being located near schools and establish penalties. However, the city has yet to set any penalties, creating loopholes for police and city inspections. She urged the city government to address the issue.

The Hsinchu City Government responded in a statement that it has been strengthening management of recreational venues such as mahjong parlors and poker rooms through joint inspections. It drafted the "Hsinchu City Management of Recreational Business Autonomous Ordinance" in August last year. After several legislative sessions, the city government applied to withdraw and revise the draft in April this year. It stated it will resubmit the ordinance to the city council with a more comprehensive legal basis.

For violations involving gambling, building codes, fire safety, or urban planning, the city government said relevant departments will continue to investigate and enforce regulations according to the Criminal Code, Urban Planning Act, Building Act, and Fire Services Act.