South Korea's Cup Price Display Policy Draws Ire Of Coffee Shop Owners – CoffeeTalk

At a recent policy discussion focused on the ‘cup price display system’ held at the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise in Seoul, cafe owners and self-employed individuals expressed concerns over how coffee prices should be displayed on menus. The system is part of the South Korean government’s broader initiative to reduce plastic use, requiring receipts to clearly indicate the cost of single-use cups separate from beverage prices. This policy, introduced in a comprehensive plan by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, aims to enhance consumer awareness and curb plastic waste, although specific guidelines are yet to be established.

During the discussion, strong criticisms arose from the self-employed community, who described the measure as burdensome amid challenging business conditions. One cafe owner articulated fears that customers might react negatively to separate cup charges, questioning why they would be charged for the cup when beverage prices supposedly include this cost. Concerns were also raised regarding operational challenges, such as the need for cafes to adjust their kiosks to display these new prices, adding yet another layer of complexity for already struggling owners.

Participants highlighted the financial strain on cafe businesses due to rising global coffee bean prices and currency exchange fluctuations that have dramatically increased import costs in recent years. A representative from the coffee industry warned that implementing the cup price system could exacerbate the difficulties faced by small business owners. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment acknowledged these concerns, stating that they would continue discussions to mitigate the impact of such policies on small enterprises, particularly as feedback from the industry pointed to a substantial disconnect between policy intentions and market realities.

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