A spokesman for the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said on May 2 that the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) under the HAD stepped up inspections at premises licensed by the OLA during the first long holidays (i.e. from April 30 to May 2) following the commencement of the second stage of the Vaccine Pass on April 30, and took enforcement actions against those in breach of the anti-epidemic regulations.
During the three days of operation, the OLA inspected a total of 92 club-houses and 13 hotels which were licensed by the OLA, and reminded the licence holders the latest anti-epidemic requirements. In the operation, the OLA issued a fixed penalty notice to a club-house patron for failing to scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" venue QR code. Moreover, the OLA required two club-houses which did not keep records of rapid antigen test results of the employees to take corresponding measures for reducing the risk of transmission. Premises found with irregularities have 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 14 days. The OLA would also consider initiating prosecutions against the licence holders of these two premises.
The HAD reminded all persons-in-charge of the premises licensed by the OLA that, although the epidemic situation has eased and gradual adjustments to social distancing measures have taken effect since April 21, they should 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) and other regulations under Cap. 599. Relevant customers and patrons shall observe respective regulations and restrictions, including vaccination, group gathering and mask wearing.
The HAD spokesman strongly appealed to all persons-in-charge of the premises and patrons to stay vigilant, in a concerted and persistent manner, so as to prevent a rebound of the epidemic. 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.
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