Summer crackdown targets 50 businesses harmful to youth

17 outlets found without 'off-limits to under-19s' signage

Violators to face investigation, referral to prosecutors

Inside a hold'em pub. [Courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government]
Inside a hold'em pub. [Courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government]

The Seoul Metropolitan Government's Municipal Investigation Bureau said Tuesday that a joint crackdown on hold'em pubs conducted during the summer vacation period, from Aug. 3 to Aug. 27, found 17 pubs operating without the required "off-limits to those under 19" signage, in violation of the Juvenile Protection Act.

Hold'em pub is a compound of "hold'em," referring to the card game, and "pub." Hold'em pubs offer games with gambling-like and speculative elements and have been designated as businesses off-limits to minors, both as customers and as employees, since May 2024.

The crackdown was carried out jointly with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and police, covering 50 businesses — 39 hold'em pubs, nine room cafes and two multipurpose entertainment rooms. The businesses were concentrated in areas within 200 meters of schools designated as educational environment protection zones, as well as university areas and other commercial districts frequented by young people. Inspectors focused on compliance with the Juvenile Protection Act, checking whether minors were allowed in or employed, whether the required warning signs were posted, and how the businesses actually operated.

Among the 39 hold'em pubs inspected, 17, or 43.6 percent, violated the signage requirement. All of them operated without posting the mandatory "off-limits to those under 19" notice at their entrances.

Investigators also found businesses that had posted the signage but not in a visible spot, placing it inside the entrance door rather than where it could be seen from outside. Others, with multiple entrances, posted the notice at only one entrance while leaving the rest unmarked. Those businesses were instructed on site to move the signs to the correct positions.

The bureau said that regardless of a business's registered category or trade name, any establishment that in fact operates as one off-limits to minors must comply with the signage requirement under relevant law.

The bureau said it plans to investigate the 17 businesses found in violation and refer them to prosecutors. It added that it will continue investigating illegal activity — including allowing or employing minors and failing to post the required warning signs — at establishments off-limits to youth. In addition, the city offers rewards of up to 200 million won ($149,000) to those who report criminal activity with decisive evidence that contributes to the public interest.

Lee Chang-seok, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Municipal Investigation Bureau, said, "Summer vacation is a time when young people's outdoor activities increase, so business owners need to actively comply with regulations to protect youth from harmful environments." He added, "We will continue to do our best to create a safe environment for young people through ongoing investigations of establishments that are off-limits to youth."


ikson@heraldcorp.com