LCSD opens application for relaxation of entry restrictions at licensed billiard establishments starting February 25

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (January 24) that applications will be welcome from licensed billiard establishments which meet relevant requirements for relaxing the entry restrictions for youth, so as to facilitate more young people to access billiard sports and promote its development in Hong Kong. The measures include lowering the minimum age limit from 16 to 8 years; relaxing the restriction of entry hours for young patrons from the current 8pm to 10am to a new timeframe of 11pm to 7am; and permitting persons in school uniforms to enter licensed billiard establishments. Applications can be made starting from February 25.

     In response to views received on promoting local billiard sports development, the LCSD set up a working group in February 2024 to explore suitable measures. Based on the discussion of the working group, the LCSD will relax the above restrictions for licensed billiard establishments that meet relevant requirements in accordance with the existing provisions of the Places of Amusement Regulation (Cap. 132BA). The LCSD will duly process applications received, and factors to be considered include the billiard establishments' operational situation, the surrounding environment, facilities and activities within the premises, etc. The LCSD will review the effectiveness in a timely manner.

     For further inquiries, please contact the Licensing and Prosecution Unit of the LCSD at 2601 8799 or via email at lpu@lcsd.gov.hk.