Hsinchu to Revise Ordinance After Mahjong Parlors Near Schools Raise Concerns

(CNA, Hsinchu City, June 5) DPP Hsinchu City Councilor Cheng Meijuan during a council question session on Wednesday raised concerns about the clustering of mahjong parlors near schools in the city. She noted that some parlors are located less than 500 meters from schools, with three such establishments found within 500 meters of one particular elementary school. Parents are worried about their children encountering these venues on their way to and from school. Councilor Cheng also reported that there have been instances of students playing mahjong inside these parlors, emphasizing that the issue can no longer be ignored. She pointed out that Hsinchu City currently lacks clear distance restrictions for such venues, leaving authorities without a legal basis for enforcement, and urged the city government to expedite the revision of the self-governance ordinance.

In response, Yan Yiqi, Director of the Hsinchu City Government's Economic Development Department, stated that the draft of the "Hsinchu City Self-Governance Ordinance for the Management of Leisure and Entertainment Businesses" was submitted to the city council for review in August of last year. However, due to differing opinions among various party caucuses, further communication and integration are needed. He said the city government will continue to gather suggestions from all sectors and, after making the content more comprehensive, will negotiate with party caucuses to push for the completion of the ordinance.

The city government also stated that it will continue to strengthen the management of leisure venues like mahjong parlors through joint inspections. For operators involved in illegal activities such as gambling, they will be investigated and penalized according to relevant regulations. The city will continue to enhance inspection and monitoring efforts to maintain citizen safety and urban order.