Hong Kong Sevens: food to be sold in stadium after all, but no BYO and fans must show RAT for entry

Organisers had been told spectators would be allowed to drink but not eat during the tournament on November 4-6, with Covid-19 risks cited

But they have won permission to sell food, although fans may not bring their own and must now also show a negative rapid antigen test on arrival

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The government has now allowed food to be sold at Hong Kong Stadium during this year’s Sevens. Photo: May James

Published: 4:41pm, 21 Oct 2022Updated: 6:57pm, 27 Oct 2022

Food will be sold at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens next month after the organisers won government approval to allow eating in the stadium.

Spectators will be allowed to buy food and drinks on the concourse and consume them in their seats, organisers said on Friday. They may not, however, bring their own food, a spokesman told the Post.

It had been announced previously that fans could drink but not eat during the Sevens at Hong Kong Stadium on November 4-6, with Covid-19 risks cited by the government. However, that has been overturned with two weeks to go until the showpiece returns for the first time in three years.

“We are pleased to have received approval for food service during the Sevens,” said Robbie McRobbie, chief executive of the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU). “With three days of food, drink, music and plenty of thrilling sevens rugby on offer, the atmosphere inside the stadium is guaranteed.”

Fans can now buy food and beverages in the stadium as they did at past Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: Sam Tsang

It was also announced, contrary to previous advice, that attendees would need to show a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) result to gain entry.

They “must present proof of a negative RAT result obtained on the day of the event at the entrance, otherwise they will be denied entry to the stadium”, organisers said.