The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Thursday it is pushing to ban drinking in public parks starting next year to enhance public health and reduce disturbances.
The municipal government said it submitted to the land ministry last month a proposal of revising relevant law to prohibit drinking in the city's 2,000-odd parks. Smoking is not allowed in public parks according to law, but no similar rules exist for drinking.
Reacting positively to the proposal, the land ministry is now reviewing it, the city said, adding it expects the revised law to take effect early next year.
"It aims to minimize disturbances caused by drunk men and to promote public health," a city official said. "Drinking will be allowed only at snack bars in the parks, and violators will face a fine of 50,000 to 70,000 won." - PNA
