The Leisure & Cultural Services Department today said that it has accepted applications from nine licensed billiard establishments for the relaxation of entry restrictions.

The relaxations include lowering the minimum age for entry to these billiard establishments from 16 to eight years old; reducing the restriction of entry hours for young patrons to eight hours (11pm to 7am) from the current 14 hours (8pm to 10am); and permitting those wearing school uniforms to enter such establishments.

The department started accepting applications from licensed billiard establishments on February 25 for the relaxation of entry restrictions under the Places of Amusement Regulation, and received a total of 32 applications.

Applications from nine billiard establishments were accepted, having considered assessments from relevant departments including Police and the Department of Health regarding the applicants' operational situations, surrounding environments and enforcement figures against smoking offences, as well as the facilities and activities promoting billiards.

The department will review the effectiveness of the  relaxation of entry restrictions in a timely manner.

Contact the department’s Licensing & Prosecution Unit on 2601 8799 or by email at lpu@lcsd.gov.hk for enquiries.