Home Affairs Department continues to take stringent enforcement actions relating to anti-epidemic regulations
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The spokesman said that the Government had earlier announced the relaxation of certain social distancing measures, including increasing the maximum number of persons per table for catering premises from eight to 12; relaxing the restriction on all activities in scheduled premises with a limit on the number of persons per group from eight to 12; relaxing the maximum number of persons per table for bars/pubs and clubs/nightclubs from four to six; and increasing the maximum number of persons for banquets in catering premises from 120 to 240. However, the licensees, customers and guests are still required to 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) etc., including the requirement on the Red Code and Amber Code under the Vaccine Pass; and customers of catering premises participating in a banquet activity have to comply with the rapid antigen test requirement.
From September 26 to October 9, the inspection and enforcement figures of the OLA under the HAD in respect of scheduled premises licensed by it are set out below:
| Premises | Number of inspections | Initiation of prosecution actions against operators of premises | Fixed Penalty Notices issued to patrons/staff of premises |
| Hotels | 121 | - | - |
| Guesthouses | 107 | - | - |
| Club-houses | 739 | 1 | 3 |
| Amusement Game Centres | 39 | - | - |
Moreover, the OLA also required the clubhouse found with irregularities as shown in the table above to, on the subsequent day of being identified of the irregularities by the enforcement officers, take corresponding measures for reducing the risk of transmission (i.e. closure of the relevant part of the premises for three days).
The HAD 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 controlling the epidemic situation. 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, October 10, 2022
Issued at HKT 22:10
Issued at HKT 22:10
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