Premises can still operate other licensed businesses which are not required to be suspended if they were operating more than one licensed business before the closure, the Food & Health Bureau said today.

The bureau made the statement in response to media enquiries on some anti-epidemic measures which were relaxed from today.

The statement noted that in accordance with the Prevention & Control of Disease (Requirements & Directions) (Business & Premises) Regulation, the Secretary for Food & Health has issued directions by notices in the Gazette that certain scheduled premises, namely karaoke establishments, clubs or nightclubs, party rooms and bathhouses, should remain closed until May 21.

These scheduled premises may still operate other licensed businesses if the operators have implemented all measures to effectively stop or avoid operation of businesses and offering services which are required to be suspended.

For example, premises originally operated as karaoke establishments and catering businesses can continue their catering business in accordance with the relevant directions if all karaoke operation and services are suspended.

The directions state that facilities, installations and equipment for karaoke activities are closed or properly sealed off and notices are posted in prominent locations at the entrances clearly indicating that only catering services but no karaoke services are provided in the premises.

Other scheduled premises operating more than one licensed business can adopt similar measures to operate other licensed businesses which are not required to be suspended, the bureau added.