Drinking Beer In Public: Hong Kong's Laws And Culture

Drinking in public is a topic that often divides opinion. In Hong Kong, it is legal to drink in public, and alcohol is widely available from licensed restaurants, bars, clubs, liquor stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores. However, drinking in public is still frowned upon, and being drunk in public can result in a fine or refusal of entry to public transport. So, while you can drink a beer in public in Hong Kong, it is important to do so responsibly and avoid causing any trouble.

Beer is the only alcoholic drink in Hong Kong that is reasonably priced

Drinking in public is not illegal in Hong Kong, but you can still be fined by police officers or refused entry on public transportation if you are publicly intoxicated. While there is no legal drinking age in Hong Kong, the sale or supply of alcohol to minors (those under 18) is prohibited, with a maximum fine of HK$50,000.

Alcohol in Hong Kong is generally very expensive, except for beer, which is more reasonably priced. Beer has been a part of Hong Kong's history since the mid-19th century, and the market has seen a rise in popularity for international craft beer and microbrews since 2010. The best-selling beer in Hong Kong is San Miguel, brewed by San Miguel Brewery Hong Kong. Other notable brands include Tsingtao, Corona, and Blue Girl Beer. Hong Kong's first female beer judge, Sandra Kwong, is also the president of the Craft Beer Association of Hong Kong, which was founded in 2013 to promote and expand the craft beer market in Hong Kong.

The cost of a cocktail in Hong Kong can be anywhere from 150-200 HKD on average, which is approximately $25-$30+ in Canadian dollars. Beer prices are slightly better, ranging from 10-15 Canadian dollars.

You can buy beer from liquor stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores

In Hong Kong, beer is available for purchase from a variety of outlets, including liquor stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores. The sale of alcohol is more liberal compared to countries like Canada, and there is no legal drinking age. However, since 2018, the sale or supply of alcohol to minors (under 18 years old) has been prohibited, with a maximum fine of HK$50,000 for non-compliance.

Liquor stores in Hong Kong operate independently, without harsh regulation from large companies, chains, or the government. They offer a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including unique options that may not be available in your home country. Some liquor stores even allow customers to sample the products before making a purchase.

Grocery stores also offer a great selection of alcoholic beverages, including local specialties such as Chinese plum wine. The bigger and more upscale grocery plazas often have glass cases displaying top-shelf spirits.

Convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven, are ubiquitous in Hong Kong and provide easy access to well-known European and Asian beers around the clock. You can also find small bottles of wine at these stores. However, it is important to note that alcohol, in general, tends to be quite expensive in Hong Kong.

It is not illegal to drink in public in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, alcohol is available everywhere from liquor stores to grocery and convenience stores. Most of the time, store clerks do not ask for ID to prove the buyer is 18 or older. However, it is important to note that while drinking in public spaces is not illegal, public intoxication is. You can be fined by police officers or refused entry to public transportation if you are drunk in public.

The laws surrounding alcohol consumption and sales in Hong Kong are consistent with those of most common-law jurisdictions, but the sale of alcohol is more liberal than in countries like Canada. For example, in Hong Kong, there are no laws imposing specific drinking hours, and alcohol is sold everywhere from liquor stores to grocery and convenience stores.

In certain neighbourhoods in Hong Kong, it is common to see locals sipping a beer in public at a park, on the beach, or while walking down the street. Alcohol is also commonly consumed outdoors in entertainment areas such as Lan Kwai Fong, SoHo, and Wan Chai.

If you are drinking in public in Hong Kong, it is important to be mindful of local laws and customs and to drink responsibly.

You can be fined or refused entry to public transport for public intoxication

While there is no "public intoxication" law in Hong Kong, drinking in public is generally frowned upon. However, it is not uncommon to see people drinking in public spaces, especially in entertainment areas like Lan Kwai Fong, SoHo, and Wan Chai. These areas are known for their vibrant nightlife and are often frequented by foreigners who openly drink outside pubs and on the streets. It is also legal to carry an open bottle of alcohol with you.

It's important to note that while there is no legal drinking age in Hong Kong, the sale or supply of alcohol to minors (under 18 years old) is prohibited. The maximum fine for selling or supplying alcohol to a minor is HK$50,000.

When it comes to public transport, being intoxicated can result in fines or refused entry. The Hong Kong Forum for Responsible Drinking outlines the following fines for drunkenness:

• A person found drunk in any public place or on licensed premises is liable to a fine of HK$50.
• If a drunk person behaves in a riotous or disorderly manner in any public place, they can be fined HK$250 or imprisoned for 2 months.

These fines can be enforced on public transport, and transport operators have the right to refuse entry to intoxicated individuals to maintain a safe environment for other passengers and staff.

Additionally, drink-driving is a criminal offence in Hong Kong, and the penalties are strict. The prescribed limit is 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, 67 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of urine, or 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath. Drivers found exceeding this limit may face a maximum fine of HK$25,000 and imprisonment for up to 3 years, along with disqualification from driving and the requirement to attend a driving improvement course.

In conclusion, while drinking in public is not explicitly prohibited in Hong Kong, it is generally discouraged. Being intoxicated in public spaces, including public transport, can result in fines, and drunk individuals may be refused entry to maintain public safety. The legal consequences are more severe for drink-driving, with strict enforcement of the prescribed limits and harsh penalties for those found impaired.

The legal drinking age in Hong Kong is 18

Drinking in public is generally frowned upon in Hong Kong, although it is not explicitly illegal. However, the legal drinking age in Hong Kong is 18, and this is strictly enforced.

The Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance 2018 (Cap. 109) states: "The sale and supply of intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of 18 ('minors') in the course of business, through face-to-face or remote distribution, or by vending machines, is prohibited." This law is enforced by hefty fines of up to $50,000 HKD for any business that breaches it.

The law came into effect on 30 November 2018, and it is the result of a growing problem of underage drinking in Hong Kong. Alcohol is easily accessible, as it is available in every 7-Eleven, and the government recognised the need to protect minors from alcohol-related harm. The harmful effects of alcohol can be more pronounced in young people, and early drinking is associated with a higher frequency of drinking and alcohol abuse later in life.

The law applies to bars, restaurants, 7-Elevens, festivals, and fairs. However, it only applies to commercial events or establishments. Social and familial gatherings are not affected. Businesses that sell alcohol are not legally required to check the age of every customer. Instead, they are only required to ask for proof of age if they believe the purchaser may be a minor.

The law also requires that a specific sign must be displayed in English and Chinese at the point of sale or promotion. The sign must be rectangular, with sides of at least 38cm in length and 20cm in width, and the letters must be in a colour that contrasts with the background. The sign must also be displayed prominently and be easily legible.

While there is no legal drinking age set in Hong Kong, the minimum age to purchase alcohol is 18. This is consistent with the laws of most common-law jurisdictions, although the sale of alcohol is more liberal than in countries like Canada.

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