Beijing's Tiniest Convenience Store Gets Bricked Up

The smallest convenience store in the capital – and possibly the world – was forced to close up shop after operating for a little over a month. It turns out the tiny shop had been illegally operating without a license.

Unlike most stores in Beijing, this shop was a literal hole in the wall. The entrance measured 20 centimeters, roughly the size of a football. Located right outside of the Beigongdaximen subway station, the shopkeeper would pass food and drinks to his patrons through the dark, narrow tunnel.

To drum up business, the owner of what has become known among Beijingers as the “smallest shop” hung a sign next to the hole window that read “soft drinks.” A doorbell was also installed next to the window so customers could more easily place their orders.

However, customers noticed that the store’s tiny window had been bricked over on Monday.

According to a staffer at the Food and Drug Administration of Beijing Chaoyang District, the business did not have a proper business license.

[Images via CCTV News]