Covid-19: Party's over for Central pier 'Beer Bay' as police vow nightly patrols of group gathering 'black spot'

Police are clamping down on group gatherings at “Beer Bay” near Central Pier No.3 – a popular outdoor spot for commuters awaiting public ferries.

beer bay central pier discovery bay — The Beer Bay kiosk at Central Pier. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP

Headline Daily reported that police issued tickets to 16 unmasked revellers on Tuesday after patrons were spotted violating Covid-19 social distancing rules which forbid gatherings of more than four. Each will be fined HK$5,000, and the area will reportedly be regarded as a “black spot” with nightly patrols by officers.

Cordoned off steps at Central Pier. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP

Central Pier No. 3

The group gathering limit was adjusted from four to two people in public from this Thursday.

pier 3 central pier discovery bay — Pier 3 at Central Pier. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP

Hong Kong has seen 16,647 cases of Covid-19 since the start of the epidemic two years ago and 213 deaths.

Correction 11/2: A previous version of this article suggested that the fine for breaking social distancing rules would double to HK$10,000. In fact, only the fine for failing to undergo compulsory testing will be doubled.