Those catering to teenage rebels beware.
Starting tomorrow, officials will ramp up efforts to stop shops selling booze to minors.
The announcement by the Department of Health’s Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office follows the passage of a law explicitly banning retailers from selling liquor to individuals under 18, something previously not covered by a specific law.
Before, bars and restaurants were prohibited from selling alcohol to minors under liquor licensing rules but that didn’t apply to shops like convenience stores and supermarkets, many of which agreed not to sell minors booze voluntarily.
Not anymore.
The Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance 2018, set to be enacted tomorrow, spells out fines of up to HK$50,000 (US$6,400) for businesses selling or supplying liquor to a minor or selling it via vending machines.
The law covers face-to-face purchases and — to get in front of those tech savvy teens — supplying alcohol via the web, social media or telephone.
It targets sales made for commercial purposes — like booze at fairs, exhibitions or events — and money doesn’t necessarily have to change hands for an offense to occur, according to the statement.
However, the law doesn’t apply to family gatherings or social events with no business intentions.
“The new legislation aims to prevent young people’s access to alcohol,” said a spokesman from the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office.
“Starting tomorrow, Tobacco and Alcohol Control Inspectors will conduct inspections, investigate complaints and carry out enforcement actions accordingly.”
Shops that sell alcohol now must also display a notice like the one below.
And if you don’t know, well now you know.
