Sheung Wan Protests Fail To Rattle Businesses

Businesses in Causeway Bay and Sheung Wan seem to have taken the disturbances in their stride even after clashes between protesters and police made some streets resemble battlefronts.

Many rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets were fired as protesters launched attacks against the police. The clashes lasted hours, in some cases trapping some innocent bystanders.

Lottin, a French restaurant manager in Sheung Wan, said they had 50 percent less business on Sunday night due to protests and police clearance in the area.

But he was not worried the ongoing anti-extradition campaign would have a lasting effect on his business, as demonstrations haven't been focused in one place, but happen in different areas every time.

The manager said they did smell the tear gas, but not too strongly as it was far away.

They saw people running outside the diner and the manager closed the shutters to keep their customers safe. When things calmed down, the diners left and the restaurant closed.

Lai, a boutique owner in Causeway Place, said she expects business to suffer. She feels revenue will fall 20 to 30 percent in June and July compared to last year.

But she didn't blame this on protesters. Lai said they’re peaceful and she supports their cause too.

Hikaru Ono, a cafe manager in Sheung Wan said their July revenue also fell by roughly 10 percent compared to June. Their shop is usually busy on weekend afternoons, but it is now much quieter.

He said he closed his cafe at 6pm on Sunday as usual. Some protesters were outside the shop but they were peaceful, he said.

A Causeway Bay hotel co-owner said they offered places for several protesters who had trouble going home last night because of transport disruption.