Hundreds of restaurant and bar workers took to the streets in Hong Kong yesterday to protest against a blanket smoking ban due to be implemented in July, saying it would put many of them out of business.
In a series of demonstrations throughout the day, workers and owners of bars, nightclubs, bathhouses, massage establishments and mahjong parlors marched in driving rain to Central Government Offices to voice their concerns.
Police sources said around 200 people took part, although a spokeswoman for the Entertainment Business Rights Concern Group said more than 1,000 attended.
The indoor smoking ban is due to be fully implemented on July 1, but industry workers have called for a deferment of two years to enable outlets to recover from the effects of a recession.
They also say swine flu fears triggered by Hong Kong’s seven confirmed A(H1N1) cases have hit profits.
“We want to delay the ban on smoking for two more years starting July 1,” said George Tsai, chairman of the Hong Kong Bar and Club Association. “With the bad economic situation and now swine flu, we are already suffering. Many owners fear they could go out of business if smoking is banned.”
Hong Kong banned smoking in public places such as schools, beaches, restaurants and karaoke bars in 2007 but the legislation was deferred for two-and-a-half years for certain establishments, including bars and nightclubs.
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