Clarity is crucial to effective shutdowns
- All kinds of entertainment, dining and other venues have been ordered to close or restrict services but the manner in which such measures have been introduced – and without offer of compensation – has caused confusion and anger
Confusion abounds as another ad hoc measure to control the spread of Covid-19 was rushed into effect last week. Just as bar owners thought they were spared from a controversial ban on the sale of alcohol by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, they were ordered to shut down for 14 days in Hong Kong’s latest desperate step to curb infections among drinkers. While the measures underline how dire the situation is, there needs to be clarity for compliance and reasonable subsidies for those affected.
The Lam administration was already under fire for its hasty move to widen the restrictions on restaurants and entertainment venues. As soon as news of an imminent order to shut down beauty centres, massage parlours, karaoke lounges and mahjong parlours went viral in traditional and social media at around noon last Wednesday, many outlets closed on their own. It turned out the beauty and massage venues were only required to use surgical masks for better protection. But many complained that customers had already cancelled their bookings because of the confusion.
Confusion reigns as Hong Kong’s bar and pub shutdown is due to start
The subsequent apology from officials did nothing to ease the grievances. Not only did a government-run social media platform also get the details wrong, the actual announcement of the extended restrictions came at the same time as the new rules were to come into effect. The affected businesses could be excused for feeling outraged.
Coming just two days later, the decision to shut down all bars was the government’s third round of emergency measures in seven days. The ban is no doubt controversial, not just in terms of necessity following an abrupt U-turn by Lam to leave liquor licensees alone. With many bars and restaurants serving both alcohol and food, they are wondering whether they could continue to operate.
The number of prosecutions remains low. But different departments have issued thousands of verbal notices for compliance by individuals and businesses following tens of thousands of inspections at restaurants, bars, beauty centres, club houses and other entertainment venues. This shows that compliance remains an issue. Enforcement aside, subsidies are needed to help affected traders tide over the crisis.
