Party going officials probed for misconduct as investigation shows banquet exceeds capacity limits

A probe by health authorities revealed that a Covid-19-hit birthday party last Monday attended by 13 government officials and lawmakers has exceeded the banquet venue’s capacity limit, a suspected breach of the city’s Covid rules.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor on Tuesday said according to health authorities’ investigation, at least 214 guests have attended the party held in a Wan Chai restaurant, celebrating the 53rd birthday of Witman Hung Wai-man, a representative for Hong Kong at the Shenzhen Qianhai Authority.

She said with the number very likely to have exceeded the restaurant’s capacity limit, health authorities’ probe will look into whether the restaurant has violated the city’s anti-pandemic regulations, along with whether diners have failed to register their visit with the LeaveHomeSafe app.

She said the investigation by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department also showed that the Wan Chai restaurant did not meet the requirement as a Type D restaurant.

“Further investigation will be needed to decide if the restaurant can continue to operate,” said Lam.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive said the 14 government officials who attended the party will be investigated for misconduct, with possible disciplinary actions to follow.

However, she stressed that no criminal investigation will be involved.

Last Friday, the Hong Kong leader said she would take “appropriate actions” against the relevant officials after the investigation.

“I have to reiterate that concerted efforts of the whole society are needed to fight the virus and that government officials should lead by example, abide by the rules, stay vigilant and refrain from taking part in high-risk activities,” she said.

Chief Executive’s Office director Eric Chan Kwok-ki will investigate the 10 politically appointed officials and Independent Commission Against Corruption chief Simon Peh Yun-lu. Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen will oversee the probe into two heads of department who are civil servants.

In a separate statement, a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said it is conducting a full investigation into the banquet after preliminary information suggested someone might have violated anti-epidemic rules.