Shenyang stores close amid inspection rumors

City government urges businesses to reopen and resume operations

The government of the northeastern city of Shenyang on Tuesday called for businesses to reopen, as officials battled widespread rumors of harsh inspections and large fines.

A girl looks through the half-closed rolling gate of a store at an auto parts market in Shenyang, Liaoning province, on Tuesday. Provided to China Daily

"All inspections are normal, and there have been no high fines. Please don't believe rumors and resume your operations," the city government said in a statement released on its official micro blog on Tuesday morning.

Two similar statements were made on the government's micro blog on Tuesday evening, adding that the public can call the government hotline, 96123, to report any high fines or unlawful inspections.

For about a month, rumors have spread among private shops and restaurants in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province, that a massive crackdown would be launched and heavy fines imposed if inspectors found counterfeit products or poor hygienic conditions.

An increasing number of businesses have suspended operations, fearing the reports. This has made life inconvenient for local residents.

"The situation drives me crazy. I can't buy ice cream around the community since all the convenience shops are closed these days," said Guo Xiaoguang, who lives in the Changbai area of Shenyang.

"If I want to buy necessities, I have to drive half an hour to the supermarket downtown."

China Daily reporters who visited four major markets on Tuesday found many shops still closed.

Most booths at the Daxi marketplace, which features electronic products, were locked. The Jiulu furniture market, in the western region of Shenyang, also was quiet. Only five large tile and china shops were open, while all other shops along the 300-meter-long commercial street were closed.

Commercial services around Jiulu market are normally busy. But on Tuesday, only several restaurants were open, while the nearby hair salon and convenience stores were closed.

The owner of one beef noodle shop, who requested anonymity, said he has halted operations for three days.

"I'm very upset about the possible inspections, but I don't know when they will come," he said.

Zhou Lei, a self-employed owner of a computer accessories business in Sanhao street, a famous computer market area, said he has closed his business for two weeks in the past month.

"It's been heard that there will be a crackdown with heavy fines. I think there must be a reason for that. So to avoid being fined, I decided to close my shop," he said.

Zhang Wenlong, spokesman for the city's administration for industry and commerce, declined to comment when reached by phone on Tuesday.

The public security bureau also turned down China Daily's interview request on Tuesday, adding that a news conference might be held later.

However, netizens on Tuesday posted pictures of an announcement by a Shenyang police station that said a previous crackdown against fake products has ended.

Wang Libo, a sociology professor at Shenyang Normal University, acknowledged that cracking down on counterfeiting is necessary.

However, she said, "Law enforcement departments have the duty to tell merchants the aim and standards of the investigation.

"I do not think the intention is to suffocate small enterprises, which provide a large number of jobs. However, I believe the local authorities' management of the situation should be improved," Wang said.

Contact the writers at wuyong@chinadaily.com.cn and liuce@chinadaily.com.cn