'Ban On Lan Kwai Fong Entry Hit Pubs Hard'

Lan Kwai Fong Association director Anthea Cheung said on Friday that the police move to deny entry into the area made things worse for establishments in the popular entertainment zone, leading to a 50 percent drop in business for pubs and restaurants there, compared to previous Halloweens.

The entertainment zone witnessed stand-offs and clashes on Thursday night with police pepper spraying, firing tear gas and arresting people after anti-government protesters had joined Halloween revellers.

"At around 7pm, a group of peaceful demonstrators wearing masks and chanting slogans gathered in the area but they were very peaceful and followed orders," Cheung said.

The police decided to stop people from entering the area at around 7:30pm, she said.

Cheung said the association understands the police arrangement as the officers were concerned that there could be safety risks due to the narrow streets and slopes of Lan Kwai Fong.

But due to these activities, many customers cancelled their bookings, the association director said.

"There were many empty shops, like establishments that were open but there were only a few customers," she said. "Some shops offered a HK$100 all you can drink discount, but no customer came."

Cheung said some shops were forced to close early due to the impact of tear gas while others had to pull down their shutters to protect customers.