Hong Kong bars open to brisk business on Friday after two-month closure amid third wave of Covid-19 infections
- Anti-pandemic measures have been put in place at the city’s nightlife venues to ensure public health safety
- The bar trade has suffered about HK$260 million in losses
Hong Kong’s loss-making bars and pubs woke up to brisk business on Friday evening after weeks of closure as Covid-19 social-distancing restrictions were relaxed, with customers happy to be out for a round or two of drinks in the city’s nightlife districts.
Much to the relief of some 1,280 bars and pubs, venues were reopened on Friday after two months of coronavirus-related closures that left them with estimated losses of HK$260 million (US$33.3 million).
Crowds were building at nightlife hotspots in Central, such as Lan Kwai Fong, SoHo and Wyndham Street, at around 8pm, with anti-pandemic measures put in place to ensure public health. However, sporadic heavy showers later in the evening put a damper on the number of visitors.
The restrictions change week on week, so it is hard to keep up with everything
Several people with drinks inside some bars and pubs were seen without masks while chatting with their companions.
For friends Olly Ng and Anna Hui, it was a relief to be able to hang out after months of staying at home.
“I feel free now,” Hui, 28, said.
