How are Hong Kong’s 5-star hotels adapting to single-use plastics ban? Industry worries over ‘bad experience’ for guests
- The Post finds many of city’s most luxurious hotels have not scrapped free plastic amenities for guests despite recent ban amid leeway offered during transition period
- Sector leaders say many operators want to avoid upsetting guests, with move in stark contrast to some budget hotels, which drew ire from visitors over charges
The approach differed greatly from arrangements put in place by some budget hotels, which the Post earlier reported were charging visitors varying prices for the amenities, sparking accusations the operators were simply trying to profit from the new rules.
The hotel sector also called for an extension of a grace period due to difficulties in finding alternatives.
Under the ban, which began on April 22, hotels and guest houses can only offer non-plastic alternatives for free or charge guests for all items in plastic containers ranging from toothbrushes, toothpaste and water bottles to shower caps and razors.
The half-year grace period runs until October 22, during which authorities will avoid taking enforcement action against non-compliant businesses.
Without disclosing the number of premises it had inspected, the Environmental Protection Department told the Post last week compliance rates at hotels and retailers it had visited exceeded 80 per cent.
