In the wake of Sunday's deadly pub fire in Taichung, many have questioned whether the previous fire inspections on the nightclub were conducted properly. And the city's Fire Department admitted yesterday that the current standard inspection procedure only involves four minor items, which explains the pub's near perfect safety records despite all of its hidden risks.

The Taichung nightclub where a fire took nine lives several days ago had passed 21 fire and safety inspections over the past five years.

The Taichung City Fire Department says that fire inspections consist of fire extinguisher, fire escape, evacuation sign, and emergency light inspections, and that building structure and interior decor do not fall within its jurisdiction.

The Taichung City Government says that the club was registered as a "beverage store," which allowed it to operate in a residential district.

Four years ago, the city government advised the owner of the club to stop holding performances involving fire.

Due to a lack of relevant laws, however, the city government lacked the authority to put a stop to the performances.

City officials are now drafting new autonomous fire prevention regulations to ban indoor fire acts and establish maximum capacity parameters.