10 June 2022

To: Licensees/Persons-in-charge of food premises

Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions)
(Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F)
Latest Directions in relation to Catering Business

On 9 June 2022, the Secretary for Food and Health issued the latest directions for the catering business under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F).  The relevant specifications and directions, which came into force on 10 June 2022 at 0:00 am, will last for 6 days till 15 June 2022 (the specified period).  Please refer to Annex 1 for details.

Under the latest new requirement and restriction issued under Cap. 599F that take effect from 10 June 2022 to 15 June 2022, person in charge of catering premises must properly switch on, operate, maintain and repair its fresh air supply related ventilating system when the premises is opened for business.  If catering premises breach the above requirement and restriction, they are required to take corresponding measures for reducing the risk of transmission, i.e. on the subsequent day of being identified of the irregularities by the enforcement officers, cease selling or supplying food or drink for consumption on the premises from 6pm to 4.59am of the subsequent day, and restrict the number of persons per table to no more than two, for a period of 14 days.

FEHD and the Working Group on Air Change in Catering Premises have, on numerous occasions, given advice and reminders, and provided technical guidance.  If necessary, catering premises operators should seek assistance from professionals, such as a registered specialist contractor (ventilation works category).  It is incumbent on the trade and the public to exercise self-discipline. Otherwise, stringent enforcement actions will have to be taken by enforcement departments.  The Government strongly urges catering premises operators not to defy the law.

As the epidemic is brought under control, catering premises will also benefit in the process of economic recovery.  The Government strongly appeals to all persons responsible for carrying on a catering business to work together and strengthen efforts for sustained implementation of prevention measures in fighting the epidemic.

Early Vaccination for All!