Taiwan Quick Take: Lantern rules approved

The release of sky lanterns, a common folk practice said to bring good luck, will from now on be regulated according to an amendment to the Fire Fighting Law (消防法) approved by the Cabinet yesterday. According to the amendment, which will be sent to the legislature for enactment, anyone wishing to release sky lanterns must first obtain a permit from the government. Those failing to do so could be fined up to NT$3,000. In light of the fact that the lanterns pose a risk to forests, residences and factories, their release should be prohibited unless approved by the authorities, according to a Cabinet statement.