Fukuoka City is calling for new yatai owners. Since the Yatai Ordinance in 2013 (a set of bylaws clarifying rules for the operation of outdoor food stalls and enforcement for violators), yatai which blocked sidewalks have been moved and 28 cases of “name lending” (running stalls under other people’s names) have been exposed. The 28 yatai owners found to be running stalls under other names must close by March 2017. Yatai are one of the city’s most prominent tourist attractions. The search for new yatai owners will begin in September 2016. A committee of Fukuoka citizens (scheduled to be established later this month) will select the new owners, who will start their businesses in April 2017. Preference will be given to individuals over corporate organizations. Source: RKB News, 7/28
(Photo: provided by the City of Fukuoka)
