HK Liquor Licensing And Food And Beverage Podcasts

HK Lawyer | AJ Halkes

2 Staffing in our times in HK mp3 image

Many of my clients don’t have legal problems; they simply face business challenges. Solutions frequently involve the law; however at the end of the day it’s usually all about achieving the best business based results. Nothing published here is legal advice.

In these podcasts I’m adopting a relaxed and informal conversational style; the type I use in the chats my clients are frequently having with me. We discuss many challenges faced, pragmatic moves and then develop solutions; so please remember nothing here is a substitute for specific legal advice on any issue.

Who’s “in charge” here? Vaccine Pass Regulations in Hong Kong

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In this 7 min podcast, I discuss in outline the vaccine pass regulations in Hong Kong as to challenges now faced by a “person-in-charge” of specified premises and what they may mean.   Person in charge….

Extending a Food Business in Hong Kong

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In this 6-minute podcast, I swiftly cover how “extending”  a food business outside of a licensed premises boundary may represent a danger to the licence itself. As Covid closure orders, business trading limits and….

Hong Kong F&B Notice Update

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In this podcast, I talk about some of the (many) notices required in Hong Kong with a focus on Liquor, Food and Covid regulations. Please follow the link below for a list of notices discussed:

What’s a Reserve Licensee and why have one?

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It pays to have a backup plan to protect your business ahead of staff “departures“ for whatever reason. Following my discussion of “temporary absences” the “reserve licensee” is a formal appointment, of an….

Temporary Absence – HK Liquor Licensee

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Being a Liquor Licence holder comes with responsibilities on both the business front and the legal compliance front.   In this podcast, I run through the process of applying for a “temporary absence” as a….

What is the Liquor Licensing Board?

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I get many questions about Liquor Licensing Board hearings and what happens at them.   This podcast is a dip into those hearings when they occur, the procedures involved and how they are normally held.   The podcast….

Liquor Licensing Appeals in Hong Kong

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The Municipal Services Appeals Board decides Appeals in Hong Kong related to licensed premises and this is where the practice of liquor sales has mainly evolved.   This podcast gives you an outline understanding of

“Take-away” Appeals – Find out what it means for you

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In this podcast, I look at the question of “When might take-away liquor bans be imposed?” and discuss two recent important Appeal decisions.   Restrictive licensing conditions can cause a major negative impact on

Food & Beverage Inspection: What’s Next?

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Official visits to F&B premises in any form can be a challenge to manage and you need to ensure that you act appropriately.   In this short update I share a few thoughts as HK sees increased Government visits being

Final Clarity on Mosquito Prevention for Contractors and Construction Sites

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The recent judgement in HCMA597/2019 (handed down on September 23, 2020) contains significant guidance for the construction industry and provides confirmation of what this writer has always believed to be

When is a Bar not a Bar (Hong Kong)?

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I discuss how to get a “bar” back into the business in this highly restrictive environment via one simple step. This may be better for you than staying closed or struggling against uncertain regulatory headwinds.

Negotiating New Lease Deals: Force Majeure Clauses – a Tenant Trump Card?

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I run through considering leaving mid-lease via these clauses or using them during negotiations to get a new, or more balanced rent deal right now. The totally unexpected events of the last few months and freshly….

Govt Subsidies: Your Gamble: 3 months or 6-Month View

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Some thoughts on Government’s proposed subsidies for “catering” and what they might mean to you. Can you now start to look 6 months ahead and perhaps are even allowed to “staff up” and create new jobs….

“Bar Ban” in Hong Kong: What’s this all Mean?

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I will discuss why a Bar Endorsement on your liquor licence matters from 6 pm tonight and add some thoughts about the regulations including “bar” or “over the counter“ interactions. 

So You’ve been Closed or Partly Closed: What Might That Mean to a Lease in HK?

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Here I talk about words you may find in some leases that could help your discussions with landlords in these critical times….

Time for 1/2 rent for 1/2 Capacity? What do the New Regulations Mean?

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I quickly review the new regulations and suggest why rents could now be halved for the F&B sector given the recent regulatory removal of 50% of the utility of premises to conduct seated food and beverage business….

Leadership and Re-assuring Confidence in the F&B Industry in Hong Kong

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Here I take a few minutes on best practices, as many have deployed for a considerable time, add a few ideas and stress this information must get to your customers and to the government not forgetting staff and….

One Approach to Staffing in Our Times

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In this podcast, I talk about cutting payroll by 50% whilst not causing extreme hardship, maintaining the operational ability for a much-reduced business load and building a two-team structure that protects your

Landlords & Rents : Survival Strategies for Hong Kong

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In this first AJ Halkes podcast I discuss some ideas about how to deal with landlords in these difficult times. It’s only about six minutes long and a new way for me to communicate with you all; I hope you find it useful.
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