Hong Kong government makes U-turn on Wan Chai bazaar’s early closure on Oct 1

The Development Bureau has confirmed it is abandoning a plan to require the Wan Chai “Waterfront Carnival” to close early on the National Day holiday this Sunday.

For the National Day holiday on October 1, the entire market will only be open from 10am to 4pm, with no food stalls allowed that evening.

Read more: Stall owners of Wan Chai bazaar decry suspension of businesses on October 1 holiday

The bureau made the announcement this afternoon in a surprise U-turn, following reports that many stall owners were dismayed by the early closure.

The bureau said after further evaluation by the Hong Kong Police Force, the morning session of the “Waterfront Carnival” can extend its opening hours to 5 pm, with the carnival reopening from 10.30 pm until at least 2 am the next day.

Electricity issues at the carnival will also be resolved before 6 pm today, the bureau noted.