Hong Kong Large-Scale Event Application: Required Licenses and Permits Guide

Organizing large-scale events in Hong Kong requires obtaining various licenses and permits to ensure compliance with legal requirements and public safety. Here are the main application requirements:

1. Public Assembly and Procession Notifications

Under the Public Order Ordinance, Chapter 245, any organization intending to hold a public assembly or public procession with more than 50 people must give prior notice to the Commissioner of Police. Applicants need to complete the "Notification of Intention to Hold Public Assembly/Procession" form, providing detailed information about the event's time, location, number of participants, and must comply with relevant public assembly and procession guidelines to ensure good order and public safety.

The Police will assess the safety of the event based on the notification content and may impose specific conditions or amended conditions on the assembly or procession. For processions, organizers must receive a notice of no objection from the Commissioner of Police before proceeding with the event.

2. Public Entertainment Venue License

If the event involves entertainment programs, according to relevant legislation, it is illegal for any person to operate or use any public entertainment venue without obtaining a license from the licensing authority (i.e., the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene). "Entertainment programs" include various performances, activities, or events, requiring either a public entertainment venue license or a temporary public entertainment venue license.

3. Amusement Game with Prizes License

If the event includes amusement games with prizes, any person intending to organize or conduct amusement games with prizes must apply for an amusement game with prizes license from a public officer appointed by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs. If any fundraising activities other than the sale of lottery tickets are conducted within the same event, separate approvals must be obtained from relevant authorities, such as the Social Welfare Department, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, and Home Affairs Department Division III.

4. Food Business Related Licenses

If the event involves food sales or provision, appropriate food business licenses must be obtained according to the nature of the activity. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department provides various types of licenses, including general restaurant licenses, fresh provision shop licenses, etc. Applications require submission of documents such as the "Food Business License Application Form," "Declaration of Compliance with Government Lease Terms," and "Certificate of Compliance."

5. Other Potentially Required Licenses

Depending on the specific nature of the event, other licenses may be required:

• Temporary entertainment licenses

• Liquor licenses

• Food factory licenses

• Venue use permits, etc.

Application Recommendations

1. Early Planning: It is recommended to begin the application process several weeks to months before the event

2. Seek Professional Advice: Due to the involvement of multiple government departments and complex legal requirements, consulting legal or permit application experts is advisable

3. Prepare Complete Documentation: Ensure all application forms are completed thoroughly and prepare all required supporting documents

4. Comply with Conditions: Strictly adhere to all conditions and restrictions attached to licenses and permits

Please note that specific application requirements may vary depending on the type, scale, and location of the event. It is recommended to contact relevant government departments directly for the latest and detailed application guidelines.