Convenience Store Owners to Hold Meeting with Ruling Party in August for Regulatory Improvements

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Convenience store owners will meet with members of the People Power Party and government officials next week to urge improvements in convenience store regulations. Issues to be discussed include the attachment of window sheets due to tobacco advertising regulations, a long-standing industry concern, and the expansion of over-the-counter drugs for safety.

According to the distribution industry on the 28th, the National Convenience Store Franchise Association (Jeonpyeonhyeop) will hold a meeting on the 4th of next month from 2 PM to 4 PM in the National Assembly's 1st Seminar Room. About 90 Jeonpyeonhyeop convenience store owners from BGF Retail, GS Retail, Seven Eleven, Emart24, and others will attend the event to convey industry difficulties. The adjustment of tobacco sales card fees and the reform of the weekly holiday allowance system will also be discussed.

However, the late-night surcharge system, which raises prices by about 5% from 1 AM to 6 AM, will not be discussed at this meeting. A Jeonpyeonhyeop official stated, "Since this is a situation that convenience stores are urging, it will not be discussed at this meeting for the time being."

The meeting will be led in the National Assembly by People Power Party lawmaker Choi Seungjae. Party officials and related government department officials are also expected to attend.