Customers in Korea can order a single glass of soju starting today

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Starting today, customers are allowed to order soju by the glass at restaurants and pubs.

According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, a revised bill of enforcement ordinance came into force Tuesday to permit liquor sellers to serve alcoholic drinks such as makgeolli or soju in units smaller than bottles.

Before the revision, operators of bars and restaurants selling liquor in such amounts could end up having their licenses cancelled, although the government did not proactively target such practices. The only exceptions to the rule were beer and cocktails.

A growing demand for whiskey, wine or Japanese sake by the glass prompted officials to make the change, which is expected to accelerate that trend.

The new rule also permits beverage wholesalers to supply liquor sellers with non-alcoholic drinks. Restaurant and pub owners were previously required to buy beverages containing no or little alcohol (less than 1 percent) from supermarkets, usually at higher prices.

A ministry official said the revision is aimed at removing confusion about the disparity between administrative rules and prevalent practices in the liquor market.