The store owner in Zhongshan District, Taipei City, admitted to negligence in locking security doors, promising to improve the situation on the same day. Attorney Li Yusheng explained the violation of the Building Act and Fire Safety Act, and the associated liabilities.

Taipei City Zhongshan District Department Store Security Door Locker: Operational Oversight, Improved on the Same Day | CTS News Reporters Huang Rou-rong and Fang Qinian

News link:https://youtu.be/IYFWGGlStdQ?si=qyfr_KJIc1UU8eSt

Each floor of the building is equipped with emergency exits on its staircases, which can be used to evacuate crowds in emergencies. However, some members of the public discovered that the emergency exits of a well-known department store located next to the Zhongshan MRT station were locked with large padlocks and could not be opened normally, sparking online discussion. In response, the department store stated that it was because staff on site did not follow standard operating procedures to open the doors, and that the issue was immediately rectified during a routine inspection that afternoon. They added that they will strengthen training and increase the frequency of inspections in the future.

Lawyer Li Yusheng of Fidelity Law Firm stated that although emergency exits are normally required to be kept closed, they must be keyless to open when facing the escape route. The owner's locking of the first-floor emergency exit seriously affects public safety and violates the Building Act and Fire Safety Act. According to the law, he is subject to a fine of NT$20,000 to NT$300,000. If the circumstances are serious enough to endanger the lives or bodies of others, he may also be guilty of the crime of endangering public safety under the Criminal Code, which carries a sentence of up to three years in prison.

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