"Opening Restaurants Recklessly and Failing Is Not Freedom"
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, visited Sinwon Market in Gwanak-gu, Seoul on the 27th and is purchasing rice cakes. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, mentioned the introduction of a 'total restaurant permit system' in relation to the difficulties faced by self-employed workers in the food service industry due to COVID-19.
On the morning of the 27th, during a meeting with small business owners and self-employed workers held at Sinwon Market in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Lee said, "So many restaurants have opened and failed that it feels like an antlion pit. I am considering operating a total restaurant permit system."
Lee added, "It was difficult to implement (the total restaurant permit system) because it infringes on autonomy, but the total permit system itself is not bad," and continued, "Opening restaurants recklessly and failing is not freedom. Good regulation is necessary."
Regarding the initial payment of loss compensation to small business owners, Lee said, "I requested the party to raise the minimum loss compensation amount (100,000 won) and increase the compensation amount. I also mentioned this to President Moon Jae-in yesterday," and pointed out, "100,000 won is too low, and even if received, people will be upset. It could create a situation worse than not paying at all."
Lee also stated, "There are quite a few people who suffered losses but were excluded from selective support because they did not receive administrative orders," and said, "That part cannot be resolved by the loss compensation law, so it is necessary to pay special attention to it through 'loss support.'"
Regarding the reduction of the local currency budget for next year, Lee said, "It is unreasonable to reduce this when COVID-19 is not over and the economy has not improved," and explained, "Not only should the budget be restored to this year's level, but it should also be further increased to help small business owners and self-employed workers overcome the crisis next year. President Moon also said that it is right to leave room for the next government in next year's budget execution. (Budget increases, etc.) are fully possible."
Meanwhile, regarding this remark, Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, criticized it on the same day through his Facebook, calling it a "nonsense festival." Lee said, "If this continues, Hwacheon Daeyu can establish Hwacheon Daeyu FnB as a subsidiary and sell the rights to gimbap shops, pizza shops, and chicken shops in the new town area," and pointed out, "If this was said out of ignorance, it shows incompetence that allows business owners to exploit them, and if it is a real plan, it is bad."
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