Seoul Cracks Down on "No Entry for Youth" Hold'em Pubs, 17 Found Violating Regulations

Failure to Display “No Entry or Employment for Persons Under 19” Signage

Police and Authorities Inspect Compliance with Youth Entry Ban Signage

Detected Venues to Be Investigated and Referred to Prosecution for Violations

On September 8, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it has detected 17 Hold'em pubs that failed to display notifications designating them as “No Entry or Employment for Persons Under 19.” The Public Safety Judicial Police Bureau of the Seoul Metropolitan Government conducted its first-ever joint crackdown specifically on Hold'em pubs from August 3 to August 27, targeting potential violations of the Youth Protection Act.

This crackdown focused on regions with a high likelihood of youth presence, inspecting a total of 50 establishments including 39 Hold'em pubs, 9 room cafes, and 2 multi-rooms. Investigators concentrated on checking compliance with the Youth Protection Act, specifically the presence of youth entry or employment, signage prohibiting entry or employment for minors, and the overall business model of each venue.

A crackdown scene on Hold'em pubs by the Public Safety Investigation Bureau of Seoul Metropolitan Government. Seoul Metropolitan Government

Venues offering poker games, such as Texas Hold'em, fall under the category of businesses that may promote gambling or speculative tendencies. Therefore, they are required to post a noticeable sign at the main entrance indicating, “No Entry or Employment for Persons Under 19.”

Of the 39 Hold'em pubs inspected, 17 establishments (43.6%) were found to have violated this signage requirement. This means that more than four out of every ten venues subject to the crackdown failed to comply with this basic obligation to protect youth.

Additionally, some businesses posted the signage inside the doorway rather than in a clearly visible spot at the entrance, while others with multiple entrances only displayed the sign at some of the entryways. The bureau emphasized that regardless of a business’s declared category or official name, if the actual form of business falls under those restricted to adults, they must comply with all related regulations on labeling. Failure to display restrictions on youth entry or employment may result in up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 20 million won.

The bureau plans to formally book the 17 detected Hold'em pubs and conduct a rigorous investigation before referring the cases to the prosecution. Moving forward, the city intends to continue investigating illegal activity related to youth entry or employment and failure to display mandatory signage at such restricted venues. The Seoul Metropolitan Government also provides reward payments of up to 200 million won to individuals who report or tip off criminal activities with decisive evidence, thereby contributing to the public good.

Lee Chang-seok, head of the Public Safety Judicial Police Bureau of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, “As summer vacation is a time when outdoor activities by youths increase, it is essential for business operators to proactively comply with regulations designed to protect young people from harmful environments.” He also pledged, “We will continue our investigations of youth-restricted venues to ensure a safe environment for young people.”

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