Take that another step and apply it to the practice of requiring government licenses, certification, registration in many trades and professions. Ostensibly for "public safety." Electricians, architects, realters, massage, nurses, etc. Public safety/health concerns, fiduciary responsibility concerns, etc. But what happens more often than not is the government approval is used for barriers to entry, fewer providers/same #customers = higher income/expense. AND...licensing/certification/registration means your profession/business takes on a silent partner with majority control.

Many businesses and professionals lost their ability to operate and earn a living in 2020-2022 fearful of losing their license, not fear of criminal enforcement in most cases. They didn't want to lose their licenses that were threatened and revoked for noncompliant. Their silent majority partner spoke. The unlicensed businesses, professions, self-employed had much more freedom and latitude to defy government edicts. As majority owners they could.

In Communist China every single business operates with the State as their silent majority partner that owns 51% of them. Without exception. That's how they blended economic enterprise with communism. Business operators and investors have profit incentive, keeping 49% of profits, not for nothing. But the State has final say over business decisions and can "veto" any decision they don't approve. Professional licensing/certification/registration in the US is de facto the same. But since it's to "protect the public" it's not blended communism. Nope.