FEHD takes stringent enforcement actions relating to anti-epidemic regulations (with photos)
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The spokesman said, "All sectors of the community should not lower their guard, as the risk of rebound in the epidemic situation remains. The FEHD urges premises operators not to defy the law."
The FEHD and the Police yesterday inspected a total of seven catering premises (including five bars/pubs) during the joint operations, and the FEHD on its own inspected a total of 471 catering premises (including 19 bars/pubs) and 166 other premises in all districts. The FEHD initiated procedures on prosecution against operators of three catering premises in Mong Kok and Central and Western District and two bars/pubs in Mong Kok suspected of breaching the requirements under the directions. Also, pursuant to the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X), the FEHD initiated procedures on prosecution against a restaurant operator suspected for operating food business in places outside the approved areas delineated on the plan under the licence.
The FEHD also required the premises to take corresponding measures for reducing the risk of transmission. Two bars/pubs and three other catering premises found with irregularities had 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 three, seven or 14 days. In addition, the FEHD also issued fixed penalty notices (FPNs) to 11 persons in a catering premises in Central suspected of breaching the requirement of group gathering, and also to one customer suspected of breaching the requirement of scanning "LeaveHomeSafe" venue QR code in other catering premises.
If a person responsible for carrying on a catering business contravenes the Regulation or the requirements and directions of the Vaccine Pass, he or she is liable to be prosecuted and, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. Persons who are present at catering premises or other specified premises must comply with directions applicable to them. Non-compliance with the relevant directions is an offence and offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $10,000, or the liability may be discharged by paying a fixed penalty of $5,000. In addition, for customers in breach of the requirement on the maximum number of persons per table within catering premises, they are liable to a fixed penalty of $5,000 for violating the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G). For persons not wearing a mask when they are not eating or drinking at a table therein, they are liable to a fixed penalty of $5,000 for contravening the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I).
Any licensee who carries on food business outside the licensed area is liable to be prosecuted for breaching section 34C of the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X) and, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for three months.
To minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the spokesman strongly appealed to all sectors of the community to stay vigilant and comply with the relevant regulations on prevention and control of disease in a concerted and persistent manner. The FEHD has strengthened its publicity efforts and will continue to take stringent enforcement actions. All sectors are reminded to exercise self-discipline and co-operate to fight the virus together.
Ends/Sunday, June 5, 2022
Issued at HKT 22:20
Issued at HKT 22:20
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