'Late-night Illegal Operation' Board Game Cafe Raided... Unauthorized Daytime Operation of Entertainment Bar Also Found (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporters Byungdon Yoo, Jeongyun Lee] Dozens of owners and customers were caught in a police crackdown at a board game cafe that continued illegal operations in violation of quarantine guidelines restricting business hours.

On the 26th, the Gwanak Police Station in Seoul announced that it had raided a board game cafe in Bongcheon-dong, Gwanak-gu, detaining 32 people including employees and customers on charges of violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

At 11:07 p.m. on the 25th, police responded to a report suspecting drug use and forcibly opened the locked entrance of the establishment. Inside, they found groups of 7 to 8 people gathered around four tables. The search revealed no drug-related offenses.

A police official stated, "We plan to notify the local district office of the violation of the gathering ban by the apprehended customers and others."

In another case, managers and customers were caught at an unlicensed entertainment bar operating during daylight hours.

On the 24th at 11:46 a.m., the Gangnam Police Station apprehended 52 people including the manager A and employees, hostesses, and customers at an unlicensed entertainment bar in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu.

The establishment was registered as a general restaurant but was operating illegally as an entertainment bar during the day. Police, responding to a report of suspected illegal operations, secured the rear entrance and entered the restaurant to make the arrests.

The police plan to notify the local district office of the violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act by the apprehended managers and customers. They will also conduct an investigation on charges of violating the Food Sanitation Act.

Meanwhile, in the metropolitan area, entertainment facilities are completely banned from operating under the government's Level 4 social distancing measures. Violations may result in fines of up to 3 million won.