The most scantily-clad of Taoyuan County's "betel nut beauties" will be told to cover up next month after the county's government brings in new regulations, Chinese-language media reported yesterday.
Employing scantily clad young women has long been a widespread practice among Taiwan's betel nut stands, most of which are scattered along suburban roads and highways across the country.
TAIPEI TIMES FILE PHOTO
But in the fierce competition for customers, some owners of betel nut stands have made the women go topless or wear thongs.
Deputy County Commissioner Liao Cheng-ching (
He said it was especially embarrassing that there were so many betel nut stands along the roads carrying foreign visitors from CKS Airport, in Taoyuan County, to Taipei City.
As a result, Taoyuan County Government is bringing in a "three nos" policy that will prohibit the exposure of the breasts, belly and buttocks.
The county government yesterday invited betel nut business associations to a meeting where the new rules were explained.
Peng Tien-le (
One of the new rules requires women to wear non-transparent clothing over brassieres.
A Chinese-language newspaper yesterday quoted a "betel nut beauty" surnamed Lin as calling the new rules "laughable." She said that without such gimmicks customers wouldn't buy their betel nuts.
Lin said most women wore some clothing at most times to avoid the attention of the police. They would only go out and strut their stuff when a customer stops by, she said.
The county government plans to run a publicity campaign before the rules go into effect on Oct 15.
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