Patrons Return As Lan Kwai Fong Bars Reopen

Bars across Hong Kong reopened their doors for business for the first time on Friday following a two-month, government-imposed shutdown as a precaution against the coronavirus outbreak.

While bar managers were keeping their expectations low, there was a steady flow of patrons streaming into the nightlife area of Lan Kwai Fong.

But there weren't any large crowds, and people on the whole appeared to abide by social distancing regulations.

Only two people sat at each table in accordance with the requirements set by the government. Bottles of hand sanitiser could be seen at many tables.

Bar operators told RTHK that while they were hoping for the best, they weren't expecting much business for the first day.

"We are not expecting business as before," a bar manager, Sasa, said. But she thinks things might pick up on Saturday, and could be even better by next weekend.

Staff at another bar said a requirement for all bars to shut at midnight, compared with their usual closing time at 5am, will also be a factor that stops people from heading back.

The intermittent rain that has been lashing the city in the past few days is also a dampener, said another.

Signs were put up around the area reminding patrons to maintain good hygiene and social distancing.

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