"The Ministry of the Interior and Safety Must Investigate and Impose Strong Sanctions"
The Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises has called for a thorough investigation and strict punishment of deceptive practices in which businesses disguise themselves as eligible establishments for the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon program.
On August 1, the Federation stated in a press release, "It has been reported in the media that some large food material marts are openly promoting the use of consumption coupons by installing separate corporate payment terminals for businesses with annual sales of less than 3 billion KRW." The statement continued, "These 'deceptive business practices' by certain food material marts seriously undermine the original intent of the policy and impose an additional burden on small business owners who are already struggling."
The Federation further argued, "In July, despite our opposition to allowing the use of Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons at food material marts?which act as black holes draining local community capital?the use of coupons was permitted at food material marts with annual sales of less than 3 billion KRW. As we feared, some marts are devastating surrounding commercial districts through these deceptive practices, and small business owners are unable to contain their anger."
The Federation strongly urged, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety, as the responsible authority, must immediately and thoroughly investigate illegal use of consumption coupons at food material marts and other establishments. Upon confirmation of any illegal acts, the Ministry should impose strong sanctions to completely eradicate such practices."
Additionally, the Federation stated, "Together with the Korea Supermarket Cooperative Federation, we will collect nationwide reports of disguised franchise cases related to the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon program, urge local governments to suspend the operations of these disguised franchises, and request tax investigations from the relevant tax offices. In the case of Seoul, there are suspicions that the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon can be received as Seoul Pay and used at affiliated merchants, including large food material marts. We urge the Seoul Metropolitan Government to immediately investigate and address this issue."
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