The Hsinchu City Government yesterday said a new regulation to ban claw machine stores from operating within 100m of elementary or junior-high schools is to take effect early next year, following a one-year grace period.
In a news release, the city government said the new rule would take effect on Jan. 5 next year, after which violators who continue to operate near schools would face fines of NT$20,000 to NT$100,000.
Photo courtesy of the Taichung City Government
Regulations requiring that claw machine prizes adhere to product labeling and quality control laws, and prohibiting the use of securities, diamonds, jewelry, tobacco products, alcohol, sex toys and live animals as prizes, are to take effect immediately, without a grace period, the city government said.
The statement urged claw machine operators to quickly make any necessary changes to comply with the new rules, which it said would be strictly enforced.
The popularity of claw machine stores — in which a property owner typically rents out space to an independent operator, who moves their machines in to be used, unattended, 24 hours a day — has exploded in Taiwan over the past decade, particularly in small storefronts that are undesirable for retail.
According to a United Daily News report, there were more than 10,000 claw machine stores in operation in Taiwan last year, with more than 1,600 in Taichung and 1,200 in Taoyuan alone.
While the machines typically contain stuffed animals, toys or snacks, enticing children to try their luck for NT$10 a go, some also contain electronics, phone cases or even household goods such as laundry pods, tissue and toothpaste.
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