The Government has established the Catering Business (Social Distancing) Subsidy Scheme including Karaoke Establishments, nightclubs and bars or pubs which are concurrently holding a food licence under the second round of the Anti-epidemic Fund.

The Catering Business (Social Distancing) Subsidy Scheme will benefit about 16 000 catering outlets and their employees. The scheme provides subsidies ranging from $250,000 to $2,200,000 to eligible licence holders of general restaurants, light refreshment restaurants, marine restaurants and factory canteens in operation according to the floor area of the premises, primarily in support of payment of employees' salaries during a six-month period following approval of the application. To provide immediate relief to the catering sector, the subsidy will be dished out upfront, in two tranches.

Moreover, each eligible catering outlet directed to close whole of its licensed premises under the Regulation, including karaoke establishments, nightclubs and bars or pubs, is eligible for a further one-off subsidy of $50,000.

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) accepts applications for the scheme starting from 5 May 2020 at 9:00 a.m., the deadline for applications will be on 5 June 2020 at 5:00 p.m.. Late submission will not be entertained.

For application details of the schemes, please visit the FEHD website linked below.

Catering business
Karaoke Establishment Permits
Liquor Licence