Operation of Price Inspection Teams to Prevent Unfair Charges Alongside Support for Affordable Price Businesses
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] As living costs soar, making life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens, autonomous districts such as Gwangjin and Eunpyeong in Seoul are taking measures to control prices by supporting "Good Price Businesses" that maintain affordable prices despite challenging circumstances.
Gwangjin District (District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) is actively supporting Good Price Businesses that maintain low prices amid rising costs and contribute to stabilizing local prices.
Good Price Businesses refer to establishments designated and managed according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety guidelines, which provide consumers with reasonable prices and high-quality services while maintaining excellent hygiene and quality.
These businesses are designated based on comprehensive criteria including ▲pricing major items below the local average price ▲strict cleanliness and hygiene management ▲implementation of outdoor price display policies, among others.
During the comprehensive review period for Good Price Businesses in July, the district confirmed the eligibility of existing Good Price Businesses, maintaining the designation of 39 locations, and discovered 4 new businesses, bringing the total to 43 designated Good Price Businesses currently operating.
Newly designated businesses receive a certificate and display a Good Price Business plaque in their stores to promote to consumers that they contribute to price stabilization through affordable pricing.
Additionally, various incentives are provided to reduce the economic burden on small business owners operating Good Price Businesses and to offer better services to customers.
First, through on-site visits, the district identifies the desired supplies for each business and provides tailored consumables such as ▲for dining establishments: volume-based waste bags, paper cups, tableware ▲for beauty salons: hair dryers, beauty towels, shampoo ▲for laundries: laundry bags, hangers, etc.
From August to October, the district supports pest control, sterilization, and COVID-19 disinfection inside and outside the businesses through professional companies, creating a safe and pleasant environment for customers visiting Good Price Businesses.
In the second half of this year, the district plans to enact ordinances related to Good Price Businesses to establish a legal basis for support, conduct continuous monitoring for price, service, and quality management, and actively expand publicity using various media.
Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin District, said, “I sincerely thank the local business owners who quietly maintain Good Price Businesses and newly designate them despite the difficult situation of soaring prices,” adding, “The district will also do its best to expand support and publicity for Good Price Businesses and to stabilize prices and revitalize the local economy.”
Eunpyeong District (District Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) is also promoting measures such as enacting ordinances to support Good Price Businesses, operating price inspection teams, establishing a comprehensive price countermeasure situation room, and running price control campaigns to reduce the economic burden on residents.
The district will enact an ordinance to support and encourage Good Price Businesses that maintain affordable prices despite high costs and contribute to stabilizing the economy of ordinary citizens. The main points include issuing designation plaques, providing consumables, and supporting publicity, with procedures for ordinance enactment scheduled for September.
The district designates Good Price Businesses annually among small business owners who meet criteria such as price, hygiene, and quality, and added 10 new businesses last month, bringing the total to 20.
During the summer vacation season, the district operates a price inspection team to prevent unfair charges. This includes price monitoring, checking violations of price display regulations, and operating a complaint center for unfair charges to control unfair trade practices.
From the end of this month, the district will operate a comprehensive price countermeasure situation room in preparation for the Chuseok holiday. It will select key items for price management during Chuseok, manage fire prevention safety at traditional markets and large stores, and crack down on overcharging and price collusion.
From August 28 to September 12, traditional market holiday events will be held to encourage the use of relatively affordable traditional markets, including discount events for ritual supplies and excellent products.
From August 8 to September 12, the district will conduct an online campaign titled “Hold Prices Tight!” targeting residents. The campaign encourages voluntary participation by promoting the use of Good Price Businesses, fair pricing, and traditional market use during the Chuseok holiday to help stabilize prices.
Kim Mi-kyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong District, said, “I hope that the enactment of ordinances to revitalize Good Price Businesses will help small business owners operate stably and contribute to stabilizing local prices,” adding, “Although these are difficult times, we will do our best to stabilize prices so that residents and the district can overcome challenges wisely together.”
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