Bar Industry Takes Extra Steps Against Covid

The bar industry is urging its members to join the government’s “Leave Home Safe” scheme and to take extra hygiene measures, in light of the rising number of coronavirus cases in the territory.

At a press conference on Sunday, it said at least 350 bars and clubs had registered for the scheme, where people can scan a QR code so they can be contacted if the venue is linked to a Covid-19 case.

The trade also said about 800 bars had signed an undertaking to take extra hygiene measures, such as increasing air flow and installing air purifiers, and bar workers are being encouraged to get tested regularly to ensure customers that the venues are safe.

The Lan Kwai Fong Association’s director Anthea Cheung said even people who stay at home are not necessarily safe as they could also be infected.

"We always have to live with the virus. The best thing to do is to follow the safety guidelines. We also have to live a normal life, yeah?" she said, adding that staff will remind customers to wear their masks if they aren't drinking or eating.

Cheung noted there are bars that didn’t follow the government rules and operated after midnight. She said it could be because the customers refused to leave, but regardless, she called on authorities to take strict enforcement actions.

The founding chairman of the Licensed Bar and Club Association Ben Leung, meanwhile, warned that if the social distancing measures imposed on them aren’t relaxed soon, half of the operators could fold.