Hong Kong is betting free alcohol and longer shopping hours will revive the city’s once-bustling nightlife.
The government has been in discussions with major property groups to encourage them to roll out measures to boost the nighttime economy, including extending mall operating hours, according to Allan Zeman, a nightclub baron and adviser to Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee.
Lan Kwai Fong Holdings Ltd., which owns the bulk of Hong Kong’s largest party district, will offer flash discounts on some weekday evenings in September and set up street performances by DJs, Zeman said. Other property firms say they’re going to distribute drink and shopping vouchers and hold nighttime events in the push to re-ignite sluggish tourism and consumer sectors hurt by COVID-19.