South Korean government lifts paper cup regulations at restaurants, etc.; plastic straw crackdown postponed indefinitely

The South Korean government has decided to end its ban on the use of disposable paper cups in restaurants. On the other hand, plastic straws will be removed as the awareness period banning their use ends on the 23rd of this month.
Extend the closure indefinitely. The aim is to reduce the burden on small businesses and the self-employed, who are suffering from high prices and interest rates, but some have criticized it for making the direction of environmental protection policy unclear.
South Korea's Ministry of the Environment announced on the 7th that it will lift the ban on the use of disposable paper cups in food entertainment businesses such as cafeterias and cafes, as well as group lunch stations. Using plastic straw and stirrer
Regarding the ban on use, the public awareness period for disseminating information has been extended virtually indefinitely. These two measures are part of the additional regulations on disposable items that came into effect on November 24 last year, with a one-year awareness period.
It was getting worse. However, no penalties were imposed on violating facilities. Lim Sang-joon, vice-minister of the ministry, said at a press conference on the same day that ``the means to achieve the goal is not a rule that is unilaterally enforced by the government.''
There are limits to how much we can achieve the desired results with systems and penalties." Regarding regulations on paper cups, ``Restaurants and other stores must employ personnel to wash cups or install washing machines.''
"South Korea is the only country that regulates paper cups," he said. Regarding plastic straws, ``Despite the fact that paper straws, which are an alternative, are nearly three times more expensive, consumption remains low.''
``Even if we provide expensive paper straws, we still receive complaints, making us double-duty.'' Instead of regulating paper cups, the ministry is promoting the spread of reusable cups.
He proposed expanding recycling. Paper cups are waterproof on the inside, but they are easier to recycle if they are separated and collected. Regarding plastic straw regulations, please refer to the United Nations plastic straw regulations.
He said he will make a decision in the future while keeping an eye on developments in the international community, including treaties. The ministry announced a period to raise awareness of the ban on plastic bags at convenience stores and confectionery stores, part of the additional regulations on disposable items introduced in November last year.
I also decided to postpone it. This announcement has been criticized as saying that the ministry has effectively abandoned regulations on disposable items. The policy to ban paper cups at restaurants was decided in November 2019.
However, the plan was withdrawn on the grounds that ``sufficient preparations and social consensus were not reached.'' The ministry will support small businesses and self-employed people in transitioning to reusable supplies, and provide preferential financial incentives to excellent stores.
etc. However, some critics are saying that the government has put out ``well-intentioned policies'' to gather votes ahead of the general election next April.