Further ease Hong Kong social-distancing rules to prevent catering sector from collapsing, say industry leaders

They called for a further relaxation of the rules after the government announced on Tuesday that restaurant dine-in services would be allowed until 9pm, rather than 6pm, from Friday but bars and pubs would remain closed.

The catering sector lost an estimated revenue of HK$5 billion (US$645.1 million) and HK$6.5 billion in July and August respectively with business plunging 65 per cent.

There were 19 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, and the number of infections has fallen to below 100 for more than 20 days since the third wave of Covid-19 hit Hong Kong in early July.

Business magnate Allan Zeman, a major property owner in Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong entertainment district, warned that if the harsh restrictions on the food and beverage industry and other businesses continued, Hong Kong could die.

“It does not make sense,” the chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group told the Post. “I am disappointed because I just think there comes a time that we really have to move and [allow bars and pubs] to open up at 50 per cent of capacity for two people per table to 10pm. At least give them a chance to have a job, and give people a chance to live.”