[Fact Check] Are beverages scheduled to be disposed of employees’ responsibility? Considering the Baekdabang controversy,

【 Anchor Comment 】
So-called ‘food to be discarded’, such as leftover coffee from cafes, can unexpectedly become a source of conflict.
Because they were going to throw it away anyway, employees took it without permission, and in extreme cases, lawsuits broke out.
Reporter Byeong-soo Ahn checked the facts to see if there were actually any legal problems.

【 reporter 】
A case in which the owner sued an employee at a cafe in Cheongju for taking drinks that were scheduled to be discarded.

As public opinion was largely in favor of overstepping the bounds, the store owner belatedly withdrew the complaint.

We considered whether employees should not be allowed to take 'food that would otherwise be thrown away', such as leftover coffee or expired kimbap.

When asked about the controversial Baekdabang, they declined to comment, saying, "We are looking at the matter seriously."

So, I looked into how other franchise cafes respond to similar situations, and the conclusion is that it is a problem.

When food is scheduled to be discarded, the principle is to 'dispose of it immediately', so employees are strictly prohibited from eating or taking it away. Failure to do so is a violation of internal regulations.

▶ Interview: Franchise cafe PR manager
- "In a broad sense, they all belong to the company's products. You cannot use them arbitrarily, and you must obtain permission from the company..."

However, there were no cases of self-discipline or legal action, because it was “too inhumane to employees.”

Although no trial has actually been held for this reason, the legal opinion is that there is a possibility that he will be punished for business embezzlement if he goes to court.

This is because if you do not have prior consent to take food that is not sold, your intention to obtain it illegally may be recognized.

If the employee has a practice of disposing of food scheduled for disposal or immediately repays the amount of damage, it may be taken into account, but if it is a habit or the amount taken is excessive, it may be disadvantageous.

▶ Interview: Youngjin Ahn / Attorney at Daeryun Law Firm
- "If the defendant goes to trial, it is natural that the outcome will be somewhat unfavorable to the defendant. Considering these factors, such as the fact that the defendant is new to society, the court may decide to postpone sentencing..."

The saying that there is no problem in taking something if you are going to throw it away anyway is 'generally false'.

However, the reality of having to worry about even just one leftover food is disappointing.

Fact check, this is Byeongsu Ahn.

Video coverage: Baek Sung-woon VJ
Video editing: Choi Hyeong-chan
Graphics: Saebom Lee

Reporter Byungsoo Ahn ahn.byungsoo@mbn.co.kr

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[Fact check] Are beverages scheduled to be disposed of employees' responsibility? Looking into the controversy over Baekdabang (Go to here)