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Video game parlors open to minors, court rules

The Council of Grand Justices yesterday pronounced it unconstitutional to prohibit video game parlors from accepting the business of customers under the age of 18.

In 1992, the Ministry of Education issued an administrative order aimed at keeping minors away from video game parlors. Under the order, violators could have their business licenses revoked.

But the council yesterday ruled the measure unconstitutional, saying video game parlor operators have protected work and property rights.

The council's ruling came in response to petitions brought by three owners of video game parlors, who had their business licenses cancelled after police found minors on their premises.

The owners said that restrictions against youths -- who account for a significant proportion of their business -- constituted an infringement of their right to work.

The council ruled that the Constitution protects individual rights, including working and property rights.

The council noted that the ministry's regulation was an administrative order and could not be used to usurp constitutional rights.

After the regulation was put into place, it became common practice for police officers to raid video game parlors in search of underage customers.
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