Adult expo chief blasts HK 'double standards'
Organisers of the Asia Adult Expo have accused the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) of double standards.
They claim it will allow under-18s to attend events at which pseudo models appear, but turns up its nose at the adult expo, which allows in only people over 18.
The fourth Asia Adult Expo kicked off in Macau on Friday, showcasing alluring lingerie, saucy outfits, a huge variety of sex toys and even coffee tables made up of erotic statues.
More than 2,500 traders from 40 countries are selling their adult entertainment products and around 30,000 visitors are expected.
But Kenny Lo, chief executive of organiser Vertical Expo Services, criticised the HKCEC for not hosting the event.
He said that while it would put on 'lame' events such as book fairs, it was afraid to take on exhibitions that were adventurous.
'The Asia Adult Expo bans all those under 18 from attending its event, but under-18s can easily see pseudo models and other scantily clad women at certain HKCEC events. It makes no sense,' he said.
'Is it not double standards by the HKCEC to do book fairs and other events where pseudo models are involved, when sometimes there are children at these events and teenagers under 18 years of age?'
Lo said the usual excuse used by the HKCEC was that it was fully booked. But he added: 'It's definitely a case of double standards.'
The Asia Adult Expo has been held at the Venetian Macao since 2008 and a second show will take place this year in Shenzhen from October 1-3.
The HKCEC said 1,200 events, including more than 100 exhibitions, are held at the convention centre every year. Up to six events are staged at the HKCEC every day during exhibition peak seasons.
'With shortage of space and so many other factors for assessment, the Asia Adult Expo is one among many that HKCEC is not able to accommodate at this moment, a HKCEC spokesman said.
