On August 28, Paju City in Gyeonggi Province announced that it will completely restrict the opening of new Hold'em pubs (general restaurants) within an absolute protection zone, defined as a straight-line distance of 50 meters from school entrances, in order to strengthen the protection of the educational environment. The city urged business owners preparing to enter related industries to exercise special caution.
Hold'em pubs (general restaurants) are classified as establishments that provide games imitating casino operations, according to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family's public notice on "Prohibition of Youth Entry and Employment at Gambling and Gambling-Encouraging Game Establishments." As such, new business operations are restricted within the absolute protection zones around schools, in accordance with the Act on the Protection of Educational Environment.
Previously, business registration was possible as long as the required documents under the Food Sanitation Act were submitted. However, since the enactment and implementation of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family's public notice, prior consultation with the Paju Office of Education is now required. If the location falls within the absolute protection zone, business registration is not permitted.
Business owners who violate the Act on the Protection of Educational Environment or similar regulations may receive an order to restrict or remove their business from the superintendent of education, even if their business registration has been processed under the Food Sanitation Act. Therefore, special caution is necessary.
Jang Yeonhee, head of the Hygiene Division, emphasized, "Business owners preparing to open Hold'em pubs as general restaurants must check for legal restrictions before signing any real estate contracts."
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