Twenty-two lawmakers proposed a bill to impose a 100,000 won (S$115) fine on people who consume alcohol in Seoul’s parks and playgrounds, Monday.
According to lawmaker Kim Gu-hyun, the legislation is anticipated to foster a responsible drinking culture that will cut down on the social and economic problems caused by excessive drinking.
The proposed ordinance gives the Seoul City mayor the rights to designate parks and children’s playgrounds, among other public places, as alcohol-free zones. Signboards will be put up indicating the ban.
The mayor will also have the authority to discourage alcoholic beverage distributors from sponsoring or joining in events that are either targeting teenagers or organised by the city government.
Additionally based on the ordinance, people who cause nuisance in public transportation and spaces in their drunken state, will be imposed a fine of 50,000 won.
Anyone who sells or provides alcoholic beverage to minors will be fined a maximum of 1 million won.
The city government is also reviewing the option of limiting the sales of alcohol altogether in areas adjacent to public parks.
Prior to this move, a nationwide crackdown on habitual drunk drivers was put into effect in April under the previous 19th National Assembly, which allowed prosecutors and police to confiscate lawbreakers’ vehicles.
