TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Popular Taipei nightlife area Maji Square, which hosts dozens of pubs and eateries within Taipei Expo Park, has faced criticism from neighbors for noise, littering, and late-night operations.
Taipei City Councilor Chen Yi-chun (陳怡君) alleged the market operates illegally at night. Echoing the councilor's statement, neighbors said their quality of life was affected by loud noise, garbage, and smoking. A large influx of young people each weekend also aroused suspicion of illicit substance use, per CT Want.
Chen said that according to local media, Maji Square has accumulated hundreds of noise complaints since 2022. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from early morning to late at night, the market is filled with noise and chaos.
According to Chen, conditions worsened late at night and into the early morning as drinkers played loud music and smoked throughout the venue. There were also complaints of some littering and vomiting in public places after drinking.
Chen said the facilities, including ceilings, toilets, signage, and even baby changing stations, have been drawn with graffiti.
Chen Chun-an (陳俊安), commissioner of the Taipei City Department of Economic Development, said Maji Square is operated by an external subcontractor. Chen said business activities have extended beyond the operating times in the contract, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., resulting in penalties and fines.
Chen said his department plans to renegotiate contract terms with the subcontractor at the end of the year. He said neighbors' complaints and other issues will be considered in new contract specifications, including the type of business operations, operating times, scope of business, and cleanliness of the surrounding environment.
In response to the noise problem, the Taipei City Department of Economic Development, alongside the Taipei Expo Park Foundation, will lock electrical outlets at night to prevent the powering of unauthorized audio equipment. As for other activities, Chen said his department would work with the police on inspection measures.
In addition, Chen said closer cooperation with Taipei’s health bureau will strengthen smoking inspections within the park.
Chen said his department values the residents' concerns and would evaluate the outsourcing of projects on the basis of profits. He said more communication is needed to remind restaurant operators about their contracts to ensure residents' quality of life.