​A spokesman for the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said today (May 9) that, further to the Government's earlier announcement of advancing the relaxation measure to allow catering premises to accommodate eight persons per table since May 5, the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) under the HAD continued to step up inspections at premises licensed by the OLA during the long holidays (i.e. from May 7 to 9), and reminded the licence holders, customers and patrons the latest anti-epidemic requirements.
      
     During the three days of operation, the OLA inspected a total of 76 club-houses, 4 hotels and 34 amusement game centres licensed by it. In the operation, the OLA required a club-house which did not keep records of rapid antigen test results of the employees to take corresponding measures to reduce the risk of transmission. Premises found with irregularities have to, on the subsequent day of being identified of the irregularities by the enforcement officers, cease selling or supplying food or drink for consumption on the premises from 6pm to 4.59am of the subsequent day, and allow no more than two persons to be seated together at one table, for a period of 14 days. The OLA would also consider initiating prosecution against the licence holder of the club-house.
      
     The HAD reminded all persons-in-charge of the premises licensed by the OLA that, although the epidemic situation has eased and the second stage of relaxation in social distancing measures will be implemented as scheduled on May 19, they should strictly comply with the requirements and directions under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Cap. 599L) and other regulations under Cap. 599. Relevant customers and patrons shall observe respective regulations and restrictions, including vaccination, group gathering and mask wearing.
      
     The HAD spokesman strongly appealed to all persons-in-charge and patrons of the premises again to stay vigilant and continue to comply with the relevant regulations on prevention and control of disease, in a concerted and persistent manner, with a view to keeping their staff, customers and the public safe, and preventing a rebound of the epidemic. The HAD will continue to strengthen its publicity efforts and enforcement actions. All trades are reminded to exercise self-discipline and comply with the regulations to fight the virus together.

Ends/Monday, May 9, 2022
Issued at HKT 23:59

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