A group of cross-party lawmakers yesterday urged the government to legalize mobile coffee stands.
"Most owners of these mobile coffee stands are laid-off workers in their 50s. For these people, the stand is the only way they can make a living," TSU Legislator Chen Chien-ming (
Most mobile coffee stands -- which are usually mounted on the back of a mini van or compact pick-up truck -- sell fast food as well as coffee and are popular in the urban centers of Taipei and Taichung. In the past few months, a number of stands have also sprung up along Taiwan's scenic northeast coast.
According to Chen, no law governs the stands, rendering them illegal. If stopped by the police, stand owners face a NT$10,000 fine from the police for illegally customizing their vehicles.
Chen said that during a previous meeting with the Executive Yuan's Minister without Portfolio Lin Sheng-feng (
DDP Legislator Tuan Yi-kang (
"Wherever there is a need, someone will provide for that need. The increase in mobile coffee stands could be a sign that more consumers enjoy spending their leisure time at these stands," Tuan said. "I think it is more important to manage them instead of cracking down on them."
Wang Chien-hsiao (汪建孝), a Taipei County mobile-coffee-stand owner and executive-secretary of the Mobile Coffee Shop Association, said that owners are eager to legalize their businesses.
"We would like to contribute to the local tourism industry as well. In addition, we will pay taxes, necessary rental fees and so on. Just let us know how," Wang said.
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