Miaoli County to Regulate Board Game Cafes, Proposing Distance Rules Similar to Those for Eight Major Industries

Central News Agency reporter Kuan Jui-ping, Miaoli County, June 16

Incidents of mahjong gambling disguised as board game cafes have frequently been reported. In response, the Miaoli County Government is drafting a self-governing ordinance to regulate board game cafes, internet cafes, and the 'eight major industries' (entertainment businesses with potential for illicit activities). The draft stipulates that board game cafes must be located at least 50 meters from residential areas and 200 meters from schools and hospitals, mirroring regulations for the eight major industries.

Today, the Miaoli County Government's Department of Business Development presented the draft 'Miaoli County Leisure and Entertainment Services Management Ordinance' at the county administrative meeting. In recent years, some gambling-oriented mahjong parlors and card clubs have registered under the guise of self-service board game cafes, raising concerns over public safety and order. Some of these venues are located near residential neighborhoods and schools, prompting public complaints.

The Department of Business Development noted that the current 'Miaoli County Regulations on the Management of Audiovisual, Singing, Barber, Sauna, Dance Halls, Bars, and Special Coffee and Tea Houses' only applies to the eight major industries and cannot comprehensively regulate all leisure and entertainment service businesses.

To uphold social peace, public morals, and safety, and to establish a sound management framework for leisure and entertainment services within the county, the county government plans to repeal the existing ordinance for the eight major industries and enact a new 'Miaoli County Business Operation of Leisure and Entertainment Services Management Ordinance.' The new draft ordinance will bring board game cafes, internet cafes, and the eight major industries under unified regulation.

The draft defines businesses that provide venues and equipment for playing mahjong, card games, and Texas Hold'em as 'Leisure Activity Venues.' These venues must be located at least 50 meters from residential areas and 200 meters from kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, high schools, vocational schools, and hospitals—same as the eight major industries. Additionally, any location that has received a shutdown order within the past three years, or where a suspension of operations or use is still in effect, is ineligible to apply as a leisure entertainment service business.

Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin stated that some board game cafes have previously concealed gambling activities, potentially leading to addiction or attracting gatherings of youth and students, who could be exploited by criminal elements. Such issues threaten public order and safety. By clearly defining operational conditions and management standards, the new ordinance will facilitate future inspections. After approval at the county administrative meeting, the draft will be submitted to the county council for deliberation.

(Editor: Lee Hsi-chang) 1150616

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