The Democratic Party – the largest remaining opposition party in the city – has been forced to postpone its spring dinner after three restaurants pulled out of hosting the party and its supporters. One backed out just two hours before the event on Tuesday evening, citing “urgent gas meter maintenance.”
Lo Kin-hei, chairman of the Democratic Party, said he was sad about the restaurant’s decision. “I didn’t expect that simply hosting a dinner could lead to so many ‘coincidences’ and obstacles,” he said, speaking to reporters at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon during which the Democratic Party provided feedback on the government’s latest budget proposals.
The party originally planned to hold a banquet for its 200 members and supporters on Tuesday. According to the party, the first hotel restaurant cancelled its reservation last month, while another hotel pulled out from hosting two days before the event, also saying it needed to conduct “urgent repairs.”
“Why is it so difficult for a political party to hold an internal gathering in Hong Kong? We are entitled to exercise our freedom of assembly. The current climate is… weird,” Lo said.
Future event
Before Covid-19 emerged in the beginning of 2020, the Democratic Party used to hold an annual spring dinner.
On Wednesday, Lo repeatedly told the press that the dinner was not a fundraising activity. When asked whether this incident made them reconsider holding any future fundraising events, Lo said no plans had been made at this stage.
“This is not the first day we realised the path for our party has become more difficult. Still, we’ll try our best and carry on,” he said, adding that the party would continue to look for a new venue.
According to local media, a restaurant pulled out from hosting a Democratic Party fundraising banquet in July 2022. The venue operator, ClubONE The Victoria in Tsim Sha Tsui, said Covid-19 clusters were identified near the place, therefore it had to shut down for cleansing.
Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
LATEST FROM HKFP
HKFP has an impartial stance, transparent funding, and balanced coverage guided by an Ethics Code and Corrections Policy.
Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.
