'Relaxation Won't Do Much To Boost Catering Business'

A catering industry representative on Monday said he doesn't expect much of a boost from the relaxation of social distancing rules, with the changes merely allowing businesses to "breathe".

From Thursday, restaurants will be allowed to serve dine-in customers until 10pm and seat four people at a table, instead of the current two.

But Leung Chun-wah, who chairs the Association for Hong Kong Catering Services Management, told an RTHK programme that he expects business to reach only half pre-pandemic levels, with Chinese restaurants suffering the most.

"Chinese restaurants rely on banquets and family gatherings. But the number of diners at a banquet is capped at 20 people, meaning it will require five tables. It won't help much. For smaller restaurants, like chaa chan teng or those serving Japanese or Thai food, it may help more," he said.

Leung added that he looks forward to the further easing of restrictions in May when restaurants are expected to be allowed to operate until midnight and accommodate eight people at each table.

Speaking on the same programme, the founding chairman of the Federation of Beauty Industry, Nelson Ip, said he expects many parlours to be booked up for the next couple of weeks.

He said businesses are preparing to reopen, but many customers have cancelled appointments and demanded refunds because they can't meet vaccine requirements.