Hite Jinro soju products are on display. (Photo = Yonhap news data photo)

 

[Alpha Biz=(Chicago) Reporter Kim Jisun] As early as April, you can order a glass of soju at a restaurant. The move comes as the government has announced legislation to revise the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Liquor Licensing, etc.

The Ministry of Strategy and Finance announced on the 20th that it would legislate a revision to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Liquor Licenses, etc. The amendment stipulates the scope of simple processing and manipulation of alcoholic beverages, which are exceptions to the revocation of liquor sales licenses. In addition, it states 'when liquor is sold in empty containers such as glasses'. This means that in addition to selling the liquor as a bottle, it is allowed to sell it in a glass and sell it as a "small drink." In the case of cooling or heating alcoholic beverages, it will also be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages mixed with water.

Liquor wholesalers are also allowed to deliver "non-alcoholic" beer to restaurants. The revised bill includes allowing comprehensive liquor wholesalers to supply non-alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages manufactured and sold by liquor manufacturers and others to restaurants along with alcoholic beverages. Currently, general liquor wholesalers can only distribute alcoholic beverages with a alcohol content of more than 1%. However, non-alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with low or no alcohol levels will also be available for distribution.

The revision is expected to go into effect as early as April after a legislative notice.

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