Operating an Unlicensed Entertainment Bar and Claiming "Romantic Relationship"... 15 People Including Owner, Employees, and Customers Booked

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] As the daily number of new COVID-19 cases exceeded 5,000, a group operating an unlicensed entertainment bar on a membership basis was caught by the police.

The Suseo Police Station in Seoul announced on the 3rd that they booked 15 people, including the owner Mr. A, male employees, female entertainers, and customers.

The police applied charges against owner Mr. A for violating the Food Sanitation Act (unlicensed business) and the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act; against the male employees and three female entertainers who did not engage in customer service for violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act; against seven female entertainers for violating both the Food Sanitation Act and the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act; and against five customers for violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

At around 2 a.m. that day, while patrolling near an entertainment bar in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, the police witnessed customers leaving the establishment. The police then entered the premises disguised as customers and confirmed that customer service activities were taking place.

According to the police, the establishment's members claimed to be in a 'romantic relationship' to prepare for police crackdowns.