![\"yatai-nakasu-nick-aug-2016-027\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/yatai-nakasu-nick-aug-2016-027.jpg?resize=640%2C427\")
<\/p>\nFukuoka 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) 28 yatai owners have been found to be running stalls under the names of others and must now close by March 2017. Yatai are one of the city\u2019s most prominent tourist attractions and the search for new yatai owners will begin this September. A committee of Fukuoka citizens (scheduled to be established later this month) will select the new owners.<\/p>\n
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Application process schedule:
\n\u2022 Sep. 19: Meeting\/briefing session at City Hall
\n\u2022 From Sep. 20: Start accepting applications
\n\u2022 Early ~ mid-Nov.: Applications are reviewed and candidates short-listed
\n\u2022 Late Nov.: Interviews with short-listed candidates
\n\u2022 Late Dec.: Successful candidates announced<\/p>\n
To enter you must be over 18 years old. In their applications, candidates are encouraged to explain (amongst other things) their plans to ensure hygiene, how they will communicate with foreign customers and how they will maintain the cleanliness of the general area.<\/p>\n
Candidates are ranked by a points system and can choose from 13 locations in tourist areas (Seiryu Park, Nakagawa area, etc.) and 15 locations in commercial areas (Watanabe-dori, Showa-dori areas). Preference will be given to individuals over corporate organizations. Selected yatai owners are expected to start operating their yatai from next April and can choose to own their yatai for up to 10 years.<\/p>\n