Hong Kong Lawmakers Debate 2 Paths for Internet Cafes Renting HK$200 Overnight Booths
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · May 28
Hong Kong Lawmakers Debate 2 Paths for Internet Cafes Renting HK$200 Overnight Booths
1 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · May 28
Hong Kong lawmakers are weighing two regulatory routes for internet cafes after some venues began renting private overnight booths for about HK$200 without hotel or guest house licences.
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau proposed either bringing them under the Amusement Game Centres Ordinance or granting exemptions if operators pass inspections on structural safety, wiring, fire prevention and ventilation.
Since March, authorities have investigated 11 internet cafes suspected of offering illegal accommodation and said they will prosecute related cases.
Officials say feedback so far favors the exemption model for flexibility, while hotel-sector lawmaker Perry Yiu argues clearer rules are needed because unlicensed stays undercut licensed hotels.
As Hong Kong regulates overnight gaming cafes, will it prioritize public safety over affordability for its youth?
Beyond gaming, are these overnight cafes a symptom of Hong Kong's larger housing affordability crisis?