Gyeonggi Province investigated 108 hold'em pubs and hold'em cafes where minors are prohibited from entering, uncovering 13 establishments that violated the Juvenile Protection Act.
Hold'em pubs are bars where customers can enjoy card games such as poker while drinking alcohol. This investigation was conducted to prevent the encouragement of speculative behavior among minors and to protect them from harmful environments following the College Scholastic Ability Test.
Hold'em pubs and hold'em cafes are classified as establishments where minors are prohibited from entering or being employed under the Juvenile Protection Act. Therefore, they are required to display a sign at the most visible entrance indicating that entry and employment of those under the age of 19 are prohibited.
All of the establishments caught during the investigation were found to be operating without posting the required sign at the entrance prohibiting minors from entering or being employed.
Investigation Status of Illegal Activities Violating the Youth Protection Act at Hold'em Pubs and Hold'em Cafes by the Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police Unit
The current Juvenile Protection Act stipulates that failure to display the restriction on minors' entry or employment can result in up to two years of imprisonment or a fine of up to 20 million won.
Gyeonggi Province plans to refer the detected establishments to the prosecution as soon as the investigation is completed and will notify relevant agencies of the investigation results so that administrative measures can be taken.
Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police Unit Chief Giido stated, "Although hold'em pubs have been designated as harmful establishments for minors since May of last year, many are still being found operating illegally. We will continue to investigate harmful establishments for minors to protect them from gambling activities and work to eradicate illegal activities occurring at hold'em pubs."
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