The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (September 18) reminded catering business operators and food handlers to strictly comply with the directions under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F). The FEHD and the Police will conduct joint operations to step up inspections at catering business premises including bars and remind business operators and food handlers to comply with the Regulation.
In view of the fact that the local epidemic situation has continued to subside and is stabilising gradually, the Government has announced earlier that it would continue to relax social distancing measures in a gradual and orderly manner. The latest directions issued by the Secretary for Food and Health in relation to catering business premises under the Regulation have come into effect today, among which the hours when dine-in services are allowed at catering business premises have been further extended to midnight, and catering premises such as bars or pubs can also be reopened.
To minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19, licensees and operators of the premises must strictly comply with the series of requirements and restrictions. Among these, the number of customers at any bar or pub must not exceed half of the normal seating capacity of the premises and no more than two persons may be seated together at one table; live performance and dancing must not be allowed in any catering business premises; a mask must be worn at all times within the premises, except when the person is consuming food or drink; and body temperature screening must be conducted before the person is allowed to enter the catering premises and hand sanitisers must be provided.
The FEHD spokesman appealed to food business operators and food handlers to comply with the relevant Regulation on prevention and control of disease in a concerted and persistent manner, with a view to keeping workers, customers and the public safe. Under the Regulation, licensees and operators of food premises must strictly comply with the series of requirements and restrictions. Contravening the requirements and restrictions is a criminal offence. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Follow this news feed: East Asia