Unlicensed Bar Owner Jailed For Two Months

A 36-year-old man was jailed for two months on Tuesday for selling alcohol despite orders to close all bars amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The man who was running an unlicensed bar pleaded guilty to violating the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation. It's the heaviest sentence since the order on bars to close took effect on April 3.

He was also convicted of selling alcohol without a licence.

Two members of staff, aged 24 and 33, were each given suspended two-week jail terms.

Police arrested the trio at an industrial building in Tuen Mun in the small hours of Sunday.

There were 18 customers when officers raided the unit. More than 300 cans of beers were seized.

Fanling Magistracy heard that the owner of the venue was aware of the new ban on bars, but committed the offence nevertheless as he needed money urgently.

The government ordered all bars and pubs to close after dozens of Covid-19 cases emerged linked to these venues.

The forced closure of bars and other venues such as gyms and cinemas, as well as a ban on public gatherings of more than four people, will be extended until May 7, as the public is urged to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.