The 2011 Taichung nightclub fire occurred on 6 March 2011 at the ALA Pub, located on Jhongsing Street in Taichung. The incident resulted in the deaths of nine people and injuries to a further twelve, making it one of the most serious nightclub fires in Taiwan in recent years.

The fire was caused during a performance by a male dancer who was using a torch-like prop, described in reports as an LED torch or cosmetic performance device. During the act, the ceiling’s soundproofing foam was accidentally ignited. The foam burned rapidly and produced highly toxic smoke, including cyanide, which spread quickly throughout the venue. Many patrons initially believed the fire to be part of the performance, delaying evacuation. All fatalities occurred on the second floor of the two-storey building, where individuals became trapped or sought refuge in bathrooms and were overcome by smoke inhalation.

Subsequent investigations led to significant legal and political consequences. The bar owner, Wang Ming-che, and the performer, Chu Chuan-yi, were indicted on charges of accidental homicide. The owner faced a potential prison sentence of up to six years and a substantial fine, while the performer faced a possible sentence of three and a half years. In addition, an employee of the municipal Urban Development Department was charged with corruption after it was revealed that a bribe had been accepted to restore water and electricity services to the premises, which had been operating in violation of zoning regulations.

In the aftermath, the incident prompted nationwide concern regarding fire safety in entertainment venues. The National Fire Agency ordered comprehensive safety inspections of restaurants and pubs across Taiwan, and renewed calls were made for a prohibition on indoor fire-based performances in bars and nightclubs. Politically, the mayor of Taichung, Jason Hu, issued a public apology and faced significant criticism, including an attempted impeachment on the grounds of inadequate enforcement of safety regulations, although this effort was ultimately unsuccessful.