Hong Kong government prohibits all dry goods – notably politically themed products – from Lunar New Year fairs in bid for public order
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Politically themed products, as well as lucky windmills and balloons, are among the festive items that will not be available at Lunar New Year fairs under a new government measure meant to maintain public order amid Hong Kong’s ongoing protest crisis.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced on Thursday that only flowers and food would be allowed at the 15 government-run fairs and festivals around Hong Kong between January 19 to January 25.
“No dry goods stalls will be provided at the venues,” the department said.
“The fairs in the past have been crowded with people, including children and the elderly. In view of the current social situation, the government – as the venue manager and event organiser – has the responsibility to ensure the safety of the stall owners and [visitors],” a department spokesman said.
“To safeguard public safety and public order, and to implement crowd control measures more effectively, the [department] will enlarge the sizes of the [stalls] to facilitate the sale of flowers. Public access will also be widened to alleviate crowding.”