To combat narcotics use, gambling and prostitution, the Taipei City Government has announced a draft amendment to a bylaw, which would place KTV and other karaoke clubs and saunas at the same administrative level as bars, nightclubs and video-game arcades.
Under the proposed amendments, minors would be forbidden from entering karaokes and saunas between 12am and 5am, and establishments listed under “specified professions,” such as bars, nightclubs, game arcades and some coffee and tea shops.
Such establishments should also not be set up within a 200m radius of schools and daycare centers, which was stipulated in statutes that took effect earlier this year following an amendment to the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act (兒童及少年福利與權益保障法 ), the draft states.
Businesses that are found to be operating illegally or in violation of rules would have their utilities cut off and their operations suspended if necessary, it said.
People wanting to establish such businesses should verify if the property they plan to lease is qualified for such operations, and provide a letter of agreement signed by the property owner, it said.
Taipei Office of Commerce Director Tsai Tsung-hsiung (蔡宗雄) said that existing rules on severing utilities to violators were indistinct, which has created problems in trying to enforce them.
The proposals are aimed at resolving such confusion, Tsai said.
The office would work with the Taipei Police Department on inspecting nightclubs, he said.
The draft amendments are due to be reviewed by the Taipei City Council next month, he said.
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