Social distancing, minimum wage hike drive small businesses to brink
Posted : 2021-07-17 09:12
Updated : 2021-07-17 09:12
Only three customers dine at a restaurant in Incheon on July 12, the first day of the Level 4 social distancing measures. Yonhap
By Yoon Ja-young
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing for more than a year now, there seems to be no way out for small business owners. The recent re-imposition of strengthened social distancing measures amid a fourth wave of the pandemic, and the increase in the minimum wage, are adding to their concerns. Most of the evening customers used to come in groups of three or four. I have been maintaining the business thanks to our loyal customers, but I don t think things will be sustainable if the Level 4 distancing measures continue, said Ji who runs a restaurant on Yeouido, Seoul.