Suyeong-gu Considering Enactment of Alcohol Ban Ordinance... Planned to Undergo Public Deliberation Process
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] Discussions are underway to designate Busan Gwangalli Millak Waterfront Park (Waterfront Park), known as a popular "hunting spot" during summer, as a no-alcohol zone.
According to Suyeong-gu, Busan Metropolitan City, on the 24th, they are reviewing the enactment of an ordinance to prohibit drinking within the waterfront park, aiming for the second half of this year.
Gwangalli Waterfront Park has been popular as a nighttime summer retreat spot where visitors enjoy cooling off while admiring the Gwangandaegyo Bridge. It earned the nickname "hunting sanctuary" because people could buy side dishes from nearby restaurants and purchase alcohol from convenience stores to enjoy a simple yet romantic drinking gathering.
However, there were side effects. Police were frequently dispatched due to noise and disturbances caused by drinking, and overflowing trash led to administrative resource waste.
Moreover, as the place turned into a spot for spontaneous meetings with the opposite sex, it became neglected by family tourists and citizens taking walks.
So far, Suyeong-gu has been passive in responding to drinking issues while prioritizing "tourism revitalization." However, as the severity of problems such as residents' complaints increased, the district began drafting an ordinance to designate a no-alcohol zone based on the revised National Health Promotion Act last year.
According to the revised National Health Promotion Act, heads of organizations can designate certain places as no-alcohol zones as needed. However, since there is public opinion that this ordinance might excessively restrict basic rights and considering opposition from merchants near the waterfront park, a public discussion process will be conducted.
This is not the first time discussions about no-alcohol ordinances in specific places have taken place.
After a university student died at the Han River in Seoul in April last year, Seoul City pushed to designate Han River parks as no-alcohol zones. At that time, petitions criticizing the problems of drinking at the Han River and urging the enactment of a no-alcohol ordinance also appeared.
However, as with the waterfront park case, there was public opinion that "basic rights are excessively restricted." Opponents at the time argued that regulations on business hours for restaurants and bars during the COVID-19 situation were problematic and claimed it was excessive to prohibit drinking in open places like Han River parks. With both sides firmly opposed, the ordinance enactment was put on hold.
Suyeong-gu stated, "Even if we push for the ordinance, it will not be created overnight," adding, "There are many procedures left, including consultations with related departments, hearings with the council, and listening to residents' opinions."
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