After pandemic delayed permit approval, night market owner opened early citing cash hemorrhage

Taiwan News
Date: 2020/10/12
By: George Liao, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taichung City Economic Development Bureau on Sunday (Oct. 11) imposed a fine of NT$60,000 (US$2,000) on the operator of a new night market that opened in the city’s Beitun District during the Double Ten holiday for operating without a permit.

The bureau told the operator, surnamed Yeh (葉), to shut down the night market immediately or face a fine for each day it stays open as stipulated in related regulations, according to a press release posted to the bureau’s website.

Located near Jiushe Station on the Taichung MRT's Green Line, Zong Zhan Night Market (總站夜市) opened on Friday (Oct. 9), attracting large crowds that led to issues with traffic, parking, and noise.

The operator of the night market had applied for an operation permit on Aug. 7, per the bureau, but the application is still in the final review stage. Bureau Chief Chang Feng-yuan (張峯源) led a team to the night market to investigate the early opening.    [FULL  STORY]