Bar operators start hunger strike, demand reopening

Representatives of businesses ordered to temporarily close during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on Sunday started a “relay hunger strike” outside government headquarters, hoping to pressure the government into letting them reopen.

One of the organisers, the president of the Licensed Bar and Club Association of Hong Kong, Ben Leung, said there were crowds everywhere during the Easter holiday, yet bars and clubs were still ordered to stay shut.

Leung said his sector was really struggling, with bars having been ordered to close for more than 200 days over the past 12 months.

Those taking part in the relay hunger strike, including representatives of the bar, karaoke, and mahjong parlour trade, vowed to abstain from food for six to twelve hours at a time. Leung said he will refuse to eat for 24 hours in the first round.

The strike will last until Wednesday.

Besides wanting to reopen, they are also seeking compensation from the government.