Cinemas
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DescriptionsFilm exhibition is regulated by the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance, Cap 172 through the issue of a Place of Public Entertainment Licence (Cinema). The trade is represented by the Hong Kong Theatres Association, Ltd (HKTA). Invitations to BLG meetings are sent to operators through the HKTA. BLG members are welcome to suggest agenda items on licensing and regulatory matters affecting the trade.
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Government RepresentativesHome and Youth Affairs Bureau, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Buildings Department, Fire Services Department, and Efficiency Office.
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Trade’s views are collected through various channels, including BLG meetings, online forms, e-mails and phone calls. The relevant meeting notes, summaries of trade’s views and the Government’s responses are tabulated below –
Meeting /
Trade's views
Date / Period Document Jul – Dec 2023 
Summary of trade's views and Government's responses (Chinese version only)Joint Meeting 12 Sep 2023 Meeting notes (Chinese version only) Annex 1 (Chinese version only) Annex 2 (Chinese version only) Annex 3 (Chinese version only) Annex 4 (Chinese version only)Jan – Jun 2023 No trade's views were raised through this BLG
Jul – Dec 2022 No trade's views were raised through this BLG
28 11 May 2022 Meeting notes (Chinese version only) Annex 1 (Chinese version only) Annex 2 (Chinese version only) Annex 3 (Chinese version only) Annex 4 (Chinese version only) Annex 5 (Chinese version only) Annex 6 (Chinese version only) Annex 7 (Chinese version only)Jan – Jun 2022 Summary of trade's views and Government's responses (Chinese version only)Jul – Dec 2021 No trade's views were raised through this BLG
27 22 Aug 2019 Meeting notes (Chinese version only) Annex (Chinese version only)26 30 Aug 2018 Meeting notes (Chinese version only) Annex 1 (Chinese version only) Annex 2 (Chinese version only) Annex 3 (Chinese version only)25 24 Feb 2017 
Meeting notes (Chinese version only)24 22 Jun 2016 Meeting notes (Chinese version only)23 16 Dec 2015 Meeting notes (Chinese version only) Annex (Chinese version only)22 3 Jun 2015 Meeting notes (Chinese version only) Annex 1 (Chinese version only) Annex 2 21 21 Nov 2014 Meeting notes (Chinese version only) Annex 1 (Chinese version only) Annex 220 21 May 2014 Meeting notes (Chinese version only) Annex If you would like to access cinemas BLG meeting notes/annex(es) issued before 2014, please contact us at bft@effo.gov.hk
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Highlight of Interesting Issues- Operators could have better control of the time to start business if they opt to apply for a provisional licence.
- There are standard fire safety requirements for ventilating systems. Registered contractors (ventilation) could start planning of ventilating systems before the receipt of the letter of requirements from the Licensing Authority.
- The maximum distance from each seat to the gangway has been extended to 12 metres under specified conditions. More details could be found in "Practice Note for Authorized Persons and Registered Structural Engineers 54".
- Sharing of exit routes with other accommodation in a commercial complex is allowed under specified conditions. More details could be found in "Practice Note for Authorized Persons and Registered Structural Engineers 54".
If applicants have insurmountable difficulties in complying with the prescribed fire services requirements, fire engineering approach is acceptable to Fire Services Department. - Under the Places of Public Entertainment Regulations, cinematograph theatres shall be used for the exhibition of films only and shall not be used for any other purpose without the express permission in writing of the Licensing Authority. Live broadcast programmes are not films and express permission of the Licensing Authority is required.
- To offer an unprecedented visual and audio experience, cinema operators have sought permission for live broadcast of “3D World Cup 2010”. With the concerted efforts of relevant B/Ds, quick approval was given, bringing a new experience to the audience for the mega event.
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