The Foreign Correspondents' Club Hong Kong

FCC Statement on July 1 Media Restrictions

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is deeply concerned by reports that some media outlets have been restricted from covering official events around the inauguration of Chief Executive-designate John Lee and the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China.

At least 10 journalists working for local and international publications had their applications to cover the events rejected for “security reasons,” with no further information provided, according to media reports and comments from our members.

This follows reports that several local and international outlets were not given the chance to apply for accreditation for the events in the first place.

In the past, similar official events were open to media registration without invitation or vetting.

The 25th anniversary of the handover, the inauguration of a new chief executive and the possible visit of a state leader together comprise a seminal event in the history of Hong Kong, and a moment deserving of widespread coverage in the international and local media.

Hong Kong’s government has repeatedly told the public that Hong Kong’s right to press freedom and free speech – enshrined in the city’s Basic Law – still exists.

The FCCHK views these restrictions – enforced without detailed explanation – as a serious deviation from that stated commitment to press freedom.

The FCCHK urges the government to immediately reconsider the restrictions to allow all outlets to cover this significant story.

FCC Minimum Spend

Dear Members,

With the lifting of many of the restrictions which have limited FCC activities for so long, we have been delighted to welcome back more members to the Club’s expanded offering of speaker events, film nights and our extensive F&B promotions. As a result of the Club being more accessible, please be advised that FCC Minimum Spend, which was rolled over from March means $1800 requirement (from January to June), will now appear on members’ June statements which will be sent in early July. We will continue to offer the opportunity for Members to purchase vouchers to be used in subsequent months if you are unable to utilise the Club before the end of June.

23 June 2022

FCC Statement on Media Handover Restrictions

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is concerned by reports that some media outlets have been restricted from covering official events around the inauguration of Chief Executive-designate John Lee and the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China.

Media reports have stated that several local and international outlets were not given the chance to apply for accreditation by the Information Services Department.

In the past, similar official events were open to media registration without invitation.

The FCCHK is concerned the procedure this year could set a precedent for excluding particular outlets from important events in future.

The FCCHK urges the Hong Kong government to reconsider the accreditation process to allow all outlets to cover these significant stories openly, in line with its stated commitment to press freedom.

FCC restrictions remain in place

FCC restrictions remain in place

Dear Members,

The Government announced an extension of the existing social distancing measures. Please note that showing proof of a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) result obtained within 24 hours before entering the relevant premises WILL NOT be applied to our club members and guests. This new measure is only applying to bars, pubs and nightclubs but the FCC is not affected because we operate as a clubhouse catering premise.

The Club restrictions and vaccine pass implementation will remain in place, feel free to visit https://www.fcchk.org/fcc-restrictions-update-on-2-june-2022/ for more information.

We thank all Members for their understanding and your continued support.

Keith Richburg

President

16 June 2022

FCC restrictions update on 2 June 2022

FCC restrictions update on 2 June 2022

Dear Members:

The current precautionary measures will be extended from June 2 until further notice. The current policies will continue as follows;

•	All restaurants will be open until 11:59 p.m. every day. Last orders for food will be at 10:50 p.m., while last orders for drinks will be at 11:30 p.m.
•	Maximum number per table is 8 now, each member can bring 3 guests.
•	Private functions and meetings can accommodate up to 120 persons. Please contact our team at [email protected] to discuss.
•	Still there is no music performances at Bert’s will be held at this time.
•	The health club continues to open, although the sauna and steam room will remain closed. No more than 6 people are allowed in the health club at a time and masks are no longer required while exercising. Pre-register is required with the gym attendant at 2844 2849.
•	All persons must wear a face mask at all times within Club premises, except when eating or drinking at the table.
•	Staff continues to complete a COVID-19 rapid test every 3 days.

The Club continues to implement the government’s “Vaccine Pass”. Anyone who is unable to provide valid proof of vaccination will be denied entry to the Club. Please be reminded that you and your guest are required to complete the 3rd dose starting from May 31. Please remember to upload your 3rd jab record to your LHS app and make sure you’re using the latest version of the app. See below for more details on the number of doses the pass requires and arrangement for recovered persons.
(https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/20/P2022032000438.htm?f_ontSize_=1)

Please be aware that mask wearing is a government requirement except when eating and drinking, and anyone not wearing a mask faces a $5,000 fine. In case of an inspection and a fine being issued, the Club is not responsible.

We thank all Members for their understanding and your continued support.

Keith Richburg
President

2 June 2022