Small businesses hit as anti-extradition bill protesters target Hong Kong police headquarters but owners take it on the chin

In addition to the administrative and government hub in Admiralty, protesters target other sites in Wan Chai over the bill

One shop owner says revenue has fallen by about half because of the protests

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Alan Cheung, owner of Sands Medicine Shop, is costing the costs of the protests. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 9:25pm, 21 Jun 2019Updated: 9:26pm, 21 Jun 2019

Small shops around Hong Kong’s political centre took a business hit on Friday as thousands of protesters blocked roads to demand the full withdrawal of the controversial extradition bill but owners were understanding.

In addition to the administrative and government hub in Admiralty, the nearby police headquarters and Revenue Tower in Wan Chai were among new spots targeted by protesters over the bill, which was suspended amid two massive demonstrations, including one that drew an estimated crowd of about 2 million people, and violent clashes between protesters and police.

Fewer people were seen in the bars of Wan Chai, a popular entertainment district near Admiralty, on Friday evening, a time normally busy with locals and visitors enjoying happy hour drinks and dinner.

Sands Medicine Shop, located near police headquarters, said revenue had been cut by about half because of the recent upheaval.

Boss Alan Cheung Ho-lun, 40, said his shop usually made more than HK$10,000 a day but that figure was well out of reach for now.