Cafe owners, customers skeptical of government’s new plastic cup policy

Public frustration is reemerging over Korea’s latest attempt to curb plastic waste by banning free disposable plastic cups at cafes. Coffee drinkers and cafe owners voiced skepticism toward the policy plan, saying it will only add to the financial burdens of small businesses and consumers who are already weary of inconsistent environmental measures. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced during a presidential policy briefing on Wednesday that eateries and coffee shops will no longer be able to offer free single-use cups for takeout orders. Instead, customers who choose disposable cups must pay a separate fee, expected to range between 100 won ($0.07) and 200 won. The ministry plans to unveil the policy draft as part of a comprehensive "de-plasticization" strategy on Tuesday. Despite the policy’s environmental message, online and offline reactions have been negative. Small business owners, recalling the confusion and costs from previous plastic reduction measures, say they are bracing for a customer backlash once they start charging for cups at the counter. "Over tWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times