'Bar Operators Are Not Popping The Cork Yet'
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2020-09-16 HKT 18:37
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Roden Wong talks to RTHK's Joanne Wong
Bar operators said on Wednesday that removal of a ban on their operation is not going help them if they are allowed to function only till midnight, and say they would rather stay closed.
From Friday, the bars will be allowed to reopen, but have to enforce Covid-19 restrictions like allowing only up to two people per table and shutting the tap by midnight.
But a spokesman for the Bar Industry Alliance, Roden Wong, said the relaxation measures announced by the government is not going to help the watering holes and they would rather stay closed if the hours are curtailed.
He said many of their regular customers usually start arriving at their establishments at 11pm and midnight closure will mean only limited time for them. "It is difficult to change people's habit and convince them to come early and spend money in our place," said Wong.
He told RTHK's Joanne Wong that once they start operating they will have to pay the landlord the full rent and many bar owners are angry at this midnight limit.
"I think they [government] should keep us closed, and when we can open,... let us operate normally," said the alliance chief.