'Blind Spot in Quarantine' Illegal Entertainment Venues Raided, 5,800 People Caught Over 10 Weeks

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Despite the continued spread of COVID-19, illegal operations of entertainment establishments have persisted, resulting in over 5,800 violators being caught during 10 weeks of crackdowns.

According to the National Police Agency on the 6th, from July 3rd to the 12th of this month, police deployed 34,648 officers and, in cooperation with local governments, inspected 76,865 entertainment venues nationwide over 10 weeks.

During this process, 852 cases of illegal activities including violations of quarantine guidelines and 5,869 individuals were caught. By type, there were 591 cases and 5,179 individuals violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act such as gathering bans, 44 cases and 442 individuals violating the Food Sanitation Act, and 217 cases and 248 individuals violating the Music Industry Act.

In Seoul, on the 8th at 10:57 p.m., 44 people including business owners who employed entertainment workers, operated without permits, and violated operating hour restrictions were caught at a general restaurant in Gangnam-gu. Also, on the 5th at 1:20 a.m., an entertainment bar in Michuhol-gu, Incheon, was caught secretly operating after locking the doors and turning off the sign lights, with 22 people including the owner and customers apprehended.

The police plan to continue special crackdowns at least until the end of this month and are considering extensions depending on the situation. The main targets for crackdowns are ▲ unlicensed (variant) operations ▲ violations of gathering bans and restriction orders ▲ other quarantine rule violations ▲ sale of alcoholic beverages and employment of hostesses at karaoke rooms.

Additionally, the police will conduct continuous inspections and crackdowns on establishments already caught, notify the National Tax Service of taxation data, and actively pursue enforcement by proving collusion and filing charges if the business owner is absent at the scene.

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