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Hong Kong economy
OpinionLetters

Letters | Hong Kong restaurants should stay open round the clock

Readers discuss how the restaurant sector can help boost tourism and advertisements in the MTR

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An almost empty restaurant at a mall in Kai Tak on January 3. Photo: Edmond So
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There have been a myriad of explanations as to why Hong Kong’s international profile among our visitors has sunk over the past few years.

Here’s one simple reason. I’ve noticed that since the introduction of the minimum wage, many restaurants close between 4pm and 6pm and at 10pm.

So a long lunch or dinner, which we used to enjoy in Hong Kong and which remain totally normal in many other countries across the world, is no longer an option in many cases. Indeed, restaurant staff try to push patrons out up to 30 minutes before “cut-off times”.

International city, a city that never sleeps, a bustling nightlife, a fun destination … I think not.

Instead of whining continually about business receipts, it is high time the restaurant trade enabled the public and tourists to eat, drink and enjoy Hong Kong at any time of the day or night. Otherwise, other Asian destinations are always going to look more attractive.

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