In-Store Paper Cups Are 'OK' Plastic Cups Are 'NO'... Self-Employed Confused by Yet Another Policy Change

Song Mo (50, female), who has been running a cafe with her husband for five years in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, finds the latest changes in disposable product policies confusing. Due to regulations, they ordered 1,000 paper straws even though customers did not prefer them, but now they have become unnecessary. Just a year ago, the district office visited and seemed to enforce regulations on disposable product use in stores, so they stocked up on many reusable cups. Song said, "It was confusing because it seemed like strict regulations with fines would be imposed, so we prepared accordingly," adding, "If we cannot use them all, we plan to give them to nearby merchants or waste disposal companies."

Recently, the government extended the grace period for imposing fines on the use of plastic straws and paper cups inside stores, which was originally set to begin at the end of this month, aiming to reduce the burden on small business owners. Although this is a policy for small business owners, self-employed cafe operators are responding with confusion due to the annually changing policies.

Coffee is being served in paper cups and plastic cups at a cafe in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 7th, the Ministry of Environment announced a shift in disposable product management policy from "imposing fines" to a "support policy based on voluntary participation," revising management measures for certain items. Although fines were scheduled to be imposed from the 23rd for providing disposable plastic bags, plastic straws, and paper cups inside stores, this policy change turned those into recommendations. Since 2019, when the government announced a phased approach to reduce the use of disposable products requiring reduction and compliance by industry, restrictions were expanded to stores operated by small business owners starting November 24 last year, with a one-year grace and promotional period provided.

However, with the policy changing again after just one year, small business owners running cafes are confused. When a post sharing the list of regulated disposable products appeared on an online cafe community for small business owners and self-employed people, saying "Even enforcement officers must be confused," comments such as "I'm confused" and "Was this disposable product also regulated?" were posted. Questions were also raised about the Ministry of Environment's explanatory materials. The Ministry distributed materials stating, "During the grace period, plastic straws should be kept out of sight and provided only upon customer request, while paper straws should be displayed prominently in stores." One small business owner said, "I was glad plastic straws were used, but after seeing this, I am confused again," adding, "I am not sure if penalties will be imposed if plastic straws are kept inside the store."

How to respond to customers' changing demands with the allowance of paper cups inside stores is also a concern. Kim Han-eol (32, male), a cafe owner, said, "Until now, we provided reusable cups even to customers who said they would 'sit for just five minutes and leave,' and disposable cups when they left," adding, "Paper cups are allowed inside the store, but plastic cups for cold drinks will likely be prohibited inside, so I am worried about how to handle this." Yoon Mo, in his 50s and working at a cafe in Jongno-gu, also said, "I am confused about how to respond to customers due to the policy changes again." There were also voices expressing concern about the sudden policy change when the reduction of disposable product use in cafes had somewhat settled. Yang Hee-sook (48, female), who has been running a cafe for 10 years, said, "In developed countries, market bags are commonplace, and reducing disposable products is taken for granted," adding, "It is a global trend, so going back to the previous state is worrisome."

Regarding this, a Ministry of Environment official said, "Guidelines such as keeping plastic straws out of sight inside stores are recommendations, so fines will not be imposed for non-compliance," adding, "Since this is a policy change to reduce the burden on small business owners, we will actively guide the changed policy in cooperation with local governments to ensure it is settled on the ground." The official also added, "We will continue to promote support for reusable cups and washing facilities for cafes and restaurants, as well as agreements with large franchises to reduce disposable product use."