People gather outside a bar in Hong Kong on Jan 6, 2022, ahead of the Jan 7 closure of gyms, bars and evening restaurant dining following the announcement of strict new anti-coronavirus controls after the detection of the Omicron variant. (PETER PARKS / AFP)

HONG KONG - The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department ordered 11 bars to close for seven to 14 days for violating social distancing measures against COVID-19. 

In a statement issued on Monday night, the FEHD said six bars and pubs were ordered to close for 14 days while five were told to stop operations for seven days during inspections from June 17 to 19.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the police also initiated prosecution actions against 16 pub operators and 11 other catering premises

The FEHD and the police also initiated prosecution actions against 16 pub operators and 11 other catering premises.

The authorities inspected 1,612 establishments after the government on June 16 required bar patrons to show negative rapid antigen test results obtained within 24 hours before they can enter nightspots.

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During their inspections, the FEHD and the police issued fixed penalty notices to six customers and 31 staff members of pubs and other catering premises for violating the RAT rule.

“The government hopes that the public will appreciate the fact that there is ample supply of RAT kits in the market currently; the price is comparatively low; and the public are accustomed to using the RAT kits,” an FEHD spokesman said.

He noted the need to ensure public health after six bar clusters, with a total of 368 virus cases, were detected after bars and pubs reopened on May 19.

The spokesman appealed to members of the public to stay vigilant and comply with social distancing measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.  

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