Hsinchu to ban claw machines near schoolsStaff writer, with CNAThe 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. A Taichung City Government official inspects a claw machine in an undated photograph. 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. 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.

Source: Taipei Times January 07, 2026 03:11 UTC