{"id":34517,"date":"2020-03-22T14:23:23","date_gmt":"2020-03-22T06:23:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.zegal.com\/?p=34517"},"modified":"2023-03-10T13:51:19","modified_gmt":"2023-03-10T05:51:19","slug":"what-are-hong-kongs-laws-around-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web.zegal.com\/en-gb\/blog\/post\/what-are-hong-kongs-laws-around-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"What are Hong Kong’s Laws Around Alcohol?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo by Jason Lam on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n

Hong Kong has garnered the reputation of being an international financial hub. But when the sun goes down, the city is known for its renowned nightlife. From the famous party street of Lan <\/span>Kwai<\/span> Fong to the bars in <\/span>Tsim<\/span> Sha Tsui, what are the laws that govern these alcohol<\/span>–<\/span>fuelled nights?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

General regulations surrounding alcohol<\/span><\/h4>\n

Like most countries around the world, Hong Kong has a minimum legal age of purchasing alcohol. In this city, that age is 18. This rule is enforced by the Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance 2018 (Cap. 109), which essentially states:<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe sale and supply of intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of 18 (\u201cminors\u201d) in the course of business, through face-to-face or remote distribution, or by vending machines will become prohibited on 30 November 2018.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Any breach of this law can result in a hefty fine of up to $50,000HKD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why has the government enacted this law? The answer: underaged drinking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is no secret that underaged drinking has been an issue that the city has grappled with for a long period. With alcohol beverages being available at every 7-Eleven, it is easy to see how accessible alcohol is to the average citizen. The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (<\/span>\u201c<\/span>TACO<\/span>\u201d<\/span>) cited that the reason for implementing this law was to protect minors. Considering <\/span>teenage-years<\/span> are prime time for brain development in minors, ingesting alcohol can seriously affect the process of brain maturity. A habit of drinking at a young age could also develop into further alcoholism in the future, the TACO sites.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What does this age-restrictive law mean for businesses?<\/span><\/h4>\n

It seems simple enough: don\u2019t sell alcohol to minors. But what counts as alcohol and how do businesses catch sneaky minors who try to sneak a bottle?\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo by Adam Wilson on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The TACO states that intoxicating liquor is alcohol that contains more than 1.2% of ethyl alcohol by volume and is intended to be a beverage. This regulation is not only limited to bars, restaurants or 7-Elevens but also festivals and fairs as well. This is regardless of whether the liquor is being paid for or given out for free. Although, this only applies to events or establishments that act on a commercial purpose. That means social and familial gatherings are not affected.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, businesses which sell alcohol aren\u2019t legally required to check the age of every customer. The Food and Health Bureau stated that they would not want to \u201coverburden the trade\u201d. Instead, cashiers will only be required to ask for proof of age if they believe the purchasers may be minors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you enter any business or establishment that sells alcohol, it wouldn\u2019t be too hard to spot a sign that reads in English and Chinese:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnder the law of Hong Kong, intoxicating liquor must not be sold or supplied to a minor in the course of business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While this may seem like a good precaution for vigilant businesses-owners, it is <\/span>actually required<\/span> by the law. In addition to this, there are certain requirements the display itself must achieve:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n