"They Even Take Aprons, Wet Wipes and Straws"—Restaurant Owner Voices Frustration [What Do You Think?]

[Financial News] Conflicts between restaurant owners and customers are intensifying as customers increasingly take aprons, wet wipes, straws and other items provided at restaurants.
A restaurant owner recently posted on an online community for self-employed business owners, saying that customers were taking supplies placed in the establishment and leaving the owner in a difficult position.
Person A said they operated a food-service business and complained about losses caused by the theft of supplies from the establishment. Saying, "Customers steal the supplies from my restaurant," the person reported that a customer had taken an apron provided at the restaurant. The aprons had cost about 10,000 won each to produce, while making new ones would cost more than 20,000 won apiece, the person said. However, because the incident was not captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV), reporting it to the police was also difficult, Person A explained.
Person A said, "These aren't items I can keep obtaining, and they're becoming increasingly difficult to source. Since they are often stolen, I plan to increase the number of cameras and adjust their positions for now."
Restaurant and café owners are facing similar concerns. If customers repeatedly take items provided for use on the premises—including not only aprons but also wet wipes, napkins and straws—even small amounts can eventually become an operating-cost burden.
Some owners have responded by keeping supplies out of customers' reach or providing only the number of items needed.
Others, however, argue that the circumstances may differ depending on the nature of the supplies if they have been placed where customers can use them. One internet user who saw the post commented, "These are items put out for customers to use. Is it really necessary to make an issue of someone taking as many as they need?"
Other internet users said, "Taking one or two items and taking a large number all at once should be treated differently," and, "If the items were placed there for customers to use, shouldn't owners accept a certain amount of use?"
There were also many responses sympathetic to the owner's position. Some internet users pointed out, "Taking home something that was placed there for use at the restaurant is a different matter," and, "Taking several at a time is clearly excessive."


[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter