Hong Kong billiard halls can apply from February 25 to admit children as young as 8
New policy from Leisure and Cultural Services Department hopes to foster new talent and encourage sport’s development
Hong Kong’s billiard halls can apply from February 25 for permission to admit children as young as eight, as part of government measures to encourage local youth to take up such sports.
Under existing regulations, patrons must be 16 or older to enter a billiard hall. Young people are also prohibited from staying at such establishments between the hours of 8pm and 10am.
Young people wearing school uniforms are also currently not allowed to enter the venues.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said on Friday it would consider several factors when processing applications, including a venue’s operational situation, surrounding environment, facilities and on-site activities.
The department said it would welcome applications “from licensed billiard establishments that meet the relevant requirements for relaxing the entry restrictions for youth, so as to facilitate more young people to access billiard sports and promote its development in Hong Kong”.
It added that it would start accepting applications on February 25.