KCCI "Terrace Operation Allowed, A Blessing for Struggling Small Business Owners"

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's full approval of terrace operations as a policy beneficial to small business owners.

On the 7th, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry stated that small business owners were pleased with the news that outdoor operations such as terrace and rooftop dining, which have been variably permitted by local governments, will be fully allowed by this summer.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced a legislative notice yesterday regarding partial amendments to the 'Food Sanitation Act Enforcement Rules.' Outdoor operations, which were previously limitedly permitted by local government ordinances, will now be principally allowed under business registration laws.

However, operations in locations where complaints are expected can be prohibited by the head of the local government. The framework has shifted from positive regulation, which generally prohibits, to negative regulation, which generally permits.

A representative from the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry explained, "Due to social distancing measures from COVID-19, small business owners have had to increase the distance between tables inside stores, reducing the number of tables and significantly impacting sales. Being able to additionally utilize available space at the same rent will be a great help to small business owners."

They added, "This long-standing regulation, which we have been consistently advocating since 2014, will be decisively lifted. During the legislative notice period, we will actively collect opinions from small business owners regarding 'terrace operations' and convey them to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety."