"Measures to Alleviate Burdens Should Also Be Implemented for Rapid Recovery"
[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-ho Kim] As the government announced the phased return to normalcy in the COVID-19 quarantine system, known as the 'With Corona' transition, starting from the 1st of next month, small business organizations have collectively expressed their welcome. They particularly praised the fact that restaurants and cafes can now operate 24 hours a day.
On the 25th, Lee Cheol, Director of Public Relations at the Korea Foodservice Industry Association, said in a phone interview with Yonhap News, "The biggest issue was the restriction of restaurant operating hours to 10 PM," adding, "This is very meaningful for businesses like pubs and restaurants where late-night sales constitute a large portion of revenue."
Earlier that day, the government announced the 'Phased Return to Normalcy Implementation Plan Draft.' According to the plan, starting from the 1st of next month, all facilities except entertainment venues will be allowed to operate 24 hours, and private gatherings will be permitted up to 10 people.
Cha Nam-su, Head of Policy and Public Relations at the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business, also emphasized, "For small business owners, the time restrictions were more suffocating than the limits on the number of private gatherings," and added, "Just lifting the time restrictions is a welcome move."
Meanwhile, small business organizations urged the government to prepare relief measures for a swift recovery to normal life. Director Cha raised his voice, saying, "The situation is challenging with rising raw material prices and anticipated interest rate hikes," and stressed, "Next year, the extended VAT payment deadlines and loan maturities will come due, so measures to mitigate the impact are necessary."
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