Hong Kong bar operators angry at ‘ladies’ night’ discrimination ruling
Pioneer of city’s nightlife says promotion ‘done for a reason to help the business to survive’
Bar and nightclub operators in the city are complaining of interference in the free market after a court ruled that “ladies’ nights” were discriminatory.
The District Court judgement this week could have wider implications for such businesses. One operator who spoke to the Post had even suspended the common practice of offering special discounts to women customers.
One of the pioneers of Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong’s most popular nightspot, pointed out that ladies’ nights had been a worldwide practice for years and insisted the ruling was wrong.
“Ladies’ night was just that one night of the week and was for a commercial purpose to increase business on a slow night,” said Allan Zeman, chairman of the Lan Kwai Fong Group.
It’s not done in order to discriminate. It’s done for a reason, to help the business to survive. We have gentlemen’s nights too.
“It’s not done in order to discriminate. It’s done for a reason, to help the business to survive. We have gentlemen’s nights too.