Hong Kong's Secretary for Food and Health issued directions under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) ordering certain premises to close from January 7, 2022. The premises covered are all bars and pubs, clubs and nightclubs, karaoke establishments, amusement game centers and mahjong and tin kau premises1. Catering premises were also required to stop evening dine-in services1. The government cited "the drastic changes in the epidemic situation" as the reason1.
Three subsidy schemes under a fresh round of the Anti-epidemic Fund opened for application on January 17, with a deadline of February 17, 20221. The Office of the Licensing Authority said disbursement could generally be made in around two weeks after it receives completed forms and supporting documents1.
| Scheme | Payment |
|---|---|
| Club-house Subsidy Scheme | $50,000 per eligible holder of a valid Certificate of Compliance under Cap. 376 |
| Club-house Subsidy Scheme, additional | $25,000 per permit or license for CoC holders also operating karaoke establishments, nightclubs or bars/pubs on clubhouse premises |
| Amusement Game Centres Subsidy Scheme | $50,000 per eligible licensed operator under Cap. 435, plus eligible e-sports venue operators and registered Internet computer services centers |
| Mahjong/Tin Kau Licence Holder Subsidy Scheme | $50,000 per eligible holder of a Mahjong/Tin Kau license under the Gambling Ordinance (Cap. 148) |
"have been ordered to be closed since January 7, 2022 due to the drastic changes in the epidemic situation"
Application forms and guides were made available on the OLA website, and the OLA said it would send letters to relevant certificate and license holders or persons in charge of the premises1. Inquiries are handled on 3620 3062 for the Club-house Subsidy Scheme, 2116 5230 for the Amusement Game Centres Subsidy Scheme and 2117 2977 for the Mahjong/Tin Kau Licence Holder Subsidy Scheme1.
What it means for players
Mahjong and tin kau premises, which operate under licenses issued under the Gambling Ordinance, were among the venues ordered shut from January 7, 2022, so play at those premises stopped on that date1. The same order covered amusement game centers, bars and pubs, clubs and nightclubs, and karaoke establishments1. Evening dine-in at catering premises also ceased1. The order applied across the territory rather than to named venues, so it affected locals, expats and visitors alike. The subsidy schemes compensate license and certificate holders, not customers, and the government release does not state when the closures would end1. For the wider legal position on what is permitted in the city, see Can I Gamble in Hong Kong? and Gambling Laws in Asia: What Is Legal in 12 Jurisdictions.
What happens next
Applications for the three schemes opened on January 17 and close on February 17, 20221. The OLA said payment could generally follow in around two weeks after a complete application1. No date for reopening the closed premises has been reported1.
