Hsinchu moves to ban claw machine stores within 100m of schools

Taipei, Jan. 7 (CNA) The Hsinchu City government on Tuesday said a new regulation to ban claw machine stores from operating within 100 meters of elementary or junior high schools will take effect early next year, following a one-year grace period.

In a press release, the city government said the new rule would take effect on Jan. 5, 2027, after which violators who continue to operate near schools will face fines of NT$20,000 (US$634) to NT$100,000.

Meanwhile, 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, will 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 warned 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 over 10,000 claw machine stores in operation in Taiwan in 2025, with over 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.