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Coronavirus: return of live shows is music to the ears of struggling bar owners in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong authorities reveal that live performances will be allowed in a host of venues from next week, but entertainers will need to take Covid-19 tests
- While operators welcome the move, they call on government to do more, such as scrap the 2am closing time and limits on seating
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Bar operators have welcomed the return of live music in Hong Kong, with some predicting as much as a 30 per cent boost in business when the latest relaxation of social-distancing rules takes effect next week.
Live performances were banned along with a host of other activities more than two years ago as part of efforts to control the spread of Covid-19. Combined with limits on business hours, venue capacity and number of patrons per table, the nightlife hotspots of the city have struggled to survive.
Chin Chun-wing, the chairman of the Hong Kong Bar and Club Association, welcomed the move as timely.
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“Peak seasons such as Halloween and the World Cup are approaching. The relaxation will help the industry hold themed events to promote publicity and stimulate the atmosphere of bars,” Chin said, adding he expected business to increase by as much as 30 per cent as a result.
“Allowing bars to have live performances can help drive the atmosphere there, attracting old customers and appealing to new ones.”
But Chin urged the government to ease the curb on business hours, and allow the establishments to operate past 2am. Before the pandemic, bars and pubs could set their own hours of operation.
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