When the new law kicks in by the end of this month, Hong Kong minors will not be allowed to buy alcohol in shops, but officials said they can still drink liquor during family gatherings or social events.
While bars and clubs in the city already banned selling or serving alcohol to minors, there is no such restriction for retailers or convenience stores. Leading chains - like 7-Eleven - have for some time voluntarily refused to sell liquor to anyone under 18. But, the Department of Health released a statement on Wednesday, noting the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office will enforce the Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance 2018 from November 30.
Under the new law, the supply and sales of intoxicating liquor would be particularly prohibited to minors, as per the South China Morning Post. Dr. Jeff Lee Pui-man, who is the head of the office, said the aim of the new legislation is to prevent those who are under-18 having access to alcohol. They urged everyone, specifically the youngsters, to develop an alcohol-free healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Lee also noted the new law covered all types of supply and sales, regardless of whether a payment is involved. The inclusion would be alcoholic drinks being supplied or sold for commercial purposes such as exhibitions, fairs, or celebrations. But, he explained the new law will not be applicable to family gatherings or social events with no business intent.
The law is moving in the right direction, according to Dr. Cheng Chi-man, who is a family doctor. He said family gatherings and social events were likely exempted since enforcing the law on such situations might be difficult, considering the fact that they are private events. Although deciding what's exempted or not might be a loophole in the new law, Cheng thinks authorities should be given some time to impose the law before assessing its effectiveness.
The Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau in 2014/15 revealed that the most popular drug among young people is alcohol, wherein 56.2 admitted they have already tried it, 7.4 percent said they had smoked tobacco, and 2 percent tried other drugs.
Meanwhile, stores selling alcohol are required to display a sign containing both English and Chinese versions of a prescribed notice regarding the law and in a prominent location. The maximum fine of the law is HK$50,000 (US$6,400) on summary conviction, while the maximum fine for those who didn't comply with the notice requirement is HK$25,000 on summary conviction.
