Anti-Corruption Law

Описание: [Anchor Lead]

Since the new anti-corruption law went into effect yesterday, affordable restaurants have been packed with customers, standing in stark contrast with high-end restaurants, which have seen a sharp drop in patrons.

[Pkg]

Government workers crowd a cafeteria at lunchtime. They think eating in the building cafeteria will keep them safe from the scrutiny of the anti-corruption law.

[Soundbite] Lee Jung-bong(Employee, Seoul City Hall) : "I think it's safer to eat in the cafeteria than in a restaurant."

But it's a completely different story for a luxury restaurant nearby. This restaurant has been receiving a string of cancellation calls.

[Soundbite] (Restaurant Owner(Voice modified)) : "Even since the anti-corruption law went into effect, people have been cancelling their reservations something that has never happened before."

A formerly unfamiliar practice has started to catch on. Patrons have started separating checks and paying for their own meals.

[Soundbite] Owner of Korean Restaurant : "About ten people paid for their own meals with their personal credit cards."

High-end restaurants near the National Assembly now offer menus priced under 30 dollars, the upper price limit set for a meal under the new anti-corruption law. Nonetheless, the restaurants still saw shocking drops in sales.

[Soundbite] Manager of Korean Restaurant(Voice modified) : "There is a definite fall in sales, down to 1/7 or 1/8 of the normal level."

Box lunch businesses were just as busy as cafeterias yesterday.

[Soundbite] Oh Se-yeon(Owner, Box Lunch Store) : "We've been working without a break, so it's been busy and sales have gone up somewhat."

The new anti-corruption law has changed the dining practices of government workers overnight.