Struggling bars in Hong Kong are hoping a lucky draw will deliver a shot in the arm, but Lan Kwai Fong’s Allan Zeman urges them to look beyond ‘desperate’ measures

A group of Hong Kong bar operators have launched a lucky draw worth HK$500,000 in prizes as part of their efforts to tackle declining business, but a nightlife mogul has urged industry players to look beyond such ‘desperate’ moves and offer premium services and experiences. instead of.

Chin Chun-wing, chairman of the Hong Kong Bar and Club Association, on Tuesday evening unveiled “rescue measures” aimed at enticing local drinkers after he fired his first shot – a lucky draw – on May 1, as evidenced by proceeds from the sector in the first quarter. fell by 17.8 percent year on year.

“We hope that the lucky draw can increase our sales by 10 to 20 percent. We will launch more activities in the future to create a better atmosphere in the bar market and activate consumption,” said Chin.

“We hope we can attract Hong Kongers to participate and experience the fun in local bars so that they want to stay and spend their money in Hong Kong.”

Chin said 20,000 customers took part in the first week and it was hoped another 80,000 would be attracted by the end of the draw period on May 31, as many bars had lost customers who preferred spend their money in mainland China.

Customers who spend more than HK$300 at any of the 100 participating bars can enter the lucky draw, with prizes and coupons worth a total of HK$500,000, including a Sony PS5, Nintendo To change gear Apple Watch.

Some bars also offer welcome drinks to customers.

Chin said the association plans to hold more lucky draws in the future, while offering more discounts and offers during holidays.

According to government statistics Published on Monday, the bar industry performed the worst of the entire restaurant sector in the first quarter of 2024.

Bars earned just HK$273 million in the first three months, down 17.8 percent from the same period last year.

Industry sales also fell 19.7 percent from January to March compared to the first quarter of 2023.

The entire sector earned an estimated HK$28.2 billion, up 2.3 percent from a year earlier.

But entertainment mogul Allan Zeman expressed doubts about whether the campaign would really make a difference.

Allan Zeman says businesses need to make an effort. Photo: Edmond So — Allan Zeman says companies must do their best. Photo: Edmond So

The chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group said that with Hong Kong’s currency pegged to the US dollar, making it significantly more expensive compared to its regional neighbors, the local industry should focus on bigger overhauls to deliver first-class services and guaranteeing experiences worth paying for.

“I understand that (the association) is doing it for survival as a desperate move… but it won’t suddenly push everyone into doing business,” said Zeman, founder of Lan Kwai Fong entertainment district in Central.

“Why do people go to New York? Why do people go to London or Paris? It’s not because they’re offering 30 percent off drinks, right?”

He said he knew of a number of businesses in Lan Kwai Fong that were “doing very well.”

“Those are the ones that are beautifully decorated and have made an effort to upgrade themselves,” Zeman said.

“It’s not like it used to be, where you can just get by, it takes effort… make it exciting… and unfortunately not many people have the charisma to do that.”

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