A Breath of Fresh Air in Cafes, Disappointment Filled Restaurants and Pubs... Stark Contrasts of Self-Employed Workers' Cries Throughout the Streets

Nationwide 190,000 Cafes Resume Dine-in Operations Amid Busy Activity "Concerns Over Customer Conflicts Due to 1-Hour Limit"
Clear Temperature Differences in Restaurants and Pubs "We're Starving"... Voices of Resentment Toward Government for Forcing Self-Employed Sacrifices

A Hollys Coffee employee rearranging tables in preparation for store operations starting on the 18th. Photo by Hollys Coffee

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] At 8 p.m. on the 17th, a cafe in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, became busy as soon as the takeout customers disappeared. In accordance with the policy allowing in-store dining starting from the 18th, promotional materials and guideline notices indicating that only takeout and delivery were available were removed, and stacked chairs and tables were rearranged. The owner, Lee Hyun-ae (alias), said, "It feels like we can finally breathe a little," adding, "We need to see the effect of the eased social distancing guidelines, but just allowing in-store dining will help sales recover compared to before," with a smile. Meanwhile, the expression of Han Ji-woon (alias), the owner of a pub located right next to the lively cafe, was filled with coldness. As the clock pointed to 9 p.m., he began closing the shop as if by agreement and raised his voice, "Wasn't the 9 p.m. operating restriction for restaurants and pubs extended?" He sighed, saying, "For pubs that have to operate at night, it's practically like operating for only one or two hours a day."

As the government decided to extend the current social distancing level (2.5 in the metropolitan area and 2 in non-metropolitan areas) until the end of this month to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the detailed guidelines changed slightly, causing starkly divided reactions among self-employed business owners. While cafes expressed concerns about various restrictions but felt relieved by the allowance of in-store dining, restaurants and pubs voiced complaints over the continued extension of the 9 p.m. operating hour limit.

A sign being reattached indicating that in-store dining is available. Photo by Hollys Coffee

190,000 Cafes Nationwide Welcome In-store Dining

The cafe industry unanimously welcomed the easing of quarantine guidelines allowing in-store dining. The 190,000 cafes nationwide showed signs of vitality with rearranged notices and table settings. Especially franchise cafe brands such as Starbucks, Hollys, and Pascucci were busy delivering guideline notices to each store and checking disinfection and signage for in-store dining operations.

Park Mi-seon (alias), who runs a cafe in Yeongdeungpo-gu, said, "Our store mainly operates as a hall (in-store) business, and since takeout and delivery are not easy, the drop in sales was severe," adding, "I had to let go of both employees and have been holding on alone, so I feel relieved to be able to operate now." She continued, "Sales dropped by half, and although we need to see how business goes, since we can sell cakes and bread in-store again, I naturally expect sales to recover," smiling.

However, some expressed concerns about various recommendations. The government recommends that restaurants and cafes with facility permits or reported areas of 50㎡ or more use only 50% of seating by spacing tables or seats one seat apart; if this is difficult, maintain a 1-meter distance between tables or install partitions. Additionally, if groups of two or more order only coffee, beverages, or simple desserts at restaurants or cafes, the time spent in-store should be limited to within one hour.

Particularly, cafes are concerned about the 'one-hour limit for groups of two or more' condition. Conflicts with customers are expected due to concerns about disputes. Lee Mi-ae (alias), who runs a cafe in Yongin-si, said, "Even when in-store dining was not allowed, there were quite a few stubborn customers who insisted on sitting and drinking in the store, causing conflicts," adding, "Customers who come in groups of two or more probably won't sit for just one hour, and if we ask them to leave, there will definitely be complaints." She added, "If it's just complaints, that would be fortunate, but if stubborn customers come in and it escalates to verbal abuse or assault, only the innocent part-time workers might get hurt, which is a big concern."

Kang Young-min (alias), a cafe owner in Ilsan-si, said, "There is realistically no way to fully monitor whether customers stay for more than an hour, so if complaints come in, cafes probably won't just let it go," adding, "Conflicts between owners and customers over detailed rules are inevitable."

At the entrance of a restaurant in downtown Seoul, a sign reads "Only groups of 4 or fewer allowed."/Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Restaurants and Pubs Full of Resentment: "Why Are Only We Suffering?"

Restaurants and pubs were unable to hide their disappointment over the continued enforcement of the operating hour restrictions, which many had hoped would be eased. Voices of resentment were heard on the ground.

Kim Min-cheol (alias), who runs a pub in Ilsan-si, said, "Pubs really start business after 9 p.m., but we open the doors every day just to operate for one or two hours," raising his voice, "Why are we forced to sacrifice, and does COVID-19 get controlled just because we are restricted?" He continued, "How should we view the fact that large department stores and big shopping malls with many customers are left alone while innocent restaurants and pubs are forced to sacrifice?" He raised his voice, saying, "I might really have to go out, get a haircut, and protest."

Kang Ji-yeon (alias), who runs a galbi (grilled ribs) restaurant nearby, said, "Our store has about 100 seats and is a large venue, mainly serving company dinners and large family groups, so the damage is honestly significant," adding, "With the ban on gatherings of five or more extended, in-store business will not be good for a while." She clicked her tongue and added, "I hope the government sets social distancing guidelines based on proper investigations," expressing, "They emphasize quarantine guidelines without properly understanding the self-employed's situation and only demand sacrifices from them."

Shin Jin-cheol (alias), who runs a meat restaurant in Bundang-si, said, "Since COVID-19 is expected to continue to be rampant throughout this year anyway, a reexamination of social distancing that only forces sacrifices from the self-employed is necessary," sighing, "I really don't know if the situation will improve just by targeting restaurants and pubs."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.