Authorities in Sinuiju have intensified efforts to regulate all commercial activity, specifically targeting unlicensed home restaurants operating from private yards.
The city’s people’s committee announced that residents selling noodles, soup, and other meals from their homes are engaging in commercial activity without state permission. This new focus comes after previous crackdowns primarily targeted marketplace vendors and informal stalls.
Citizens report that while official commercial management centers and social dining facilities have increased, many people still prefer home restaurants because they offer affordable meals and a convenient setting. These eateries often provide homemade liquor and casual spaces where customers can relax after work.
Officials claim the inspections aim to ensure hygiene and pricing standards are followed, but many residents remain skeptical. Critics argue that the government seeks to bring all economic activity fully under state control rather than genuinely protecting public health.
Economists warn that restricting home restaurant operations could reduce household incomes and disrupt informal food networks. Vendors face difficulty adjusting to new regulations, and some continue to operate discreetly to meet ongoing public demand for affordable options.
Socially, the crackdown has caused dissatisfaction among local communities. Home restaurants not only serve meals but also function as informal gathering spaces where people can share concerns and unwind, increasing their social importance. The removal of these options may negatively impact public morale.
Observers note that the authorities will continue monitoring compliance closely and could expand oversight to other neighborhoods. Residents predict resistance may increase if affordable home restaurant alternatives remain limited.
The Sinuiju campaign reflects the government’s broader effort to enforce state control over urban commerce. By regulating home restaurant operations strictly, authorities aim to align all business activity with socialist economic policies while reducing informal, unlicensed economic practices.
