â€‹The Home Affairs Bureau and the Home Affairs Department held a briefing for the trade today (March 30) on the exemption of electronic sports (e-sports) venues from the requirement of Amusement Game Centre (AGC) Licence.
      
     The Government strives to promote the development of the e-sports. Depending on the actual operation of e-sports venues, their business operation may be subject to the regulation under the Amusement Game Centres Ordinance (Cap. 435) (AGCO). Some of the licensing requirements under the AGCO applicable to traditional AGCs, if applied to the e-sports venues, may hinder the long-term development of the e-sports industry. As such, the Government will adopt an appropriate mechanism to exempt e-sports venues from the requirements of AGC Licence.
      
     The Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan, who chaired the briefing session, said, "considering that the mode of operation of e-sports venues is different from that of traditional AGCs, we will, in accordance to section 3 of the AGCO, exempt eligible e-sports venues from the requirement of AGC Licence."
      
     The Home Affairs Department introduced the exemption arrangement to the trade at the briefing. The exemption mechanism will be underpinned by three principles: business facilitation, removing red tape and barriers, and ensuring safety of premises. To facilitate the trade, the Office of the Licensing Authority under the Home Affairs Department will provide one-stop services to process exemption applications for e-sports venues.
      
     The Home Affairs Department will soon publish the "Guidance Note on Application for Exemption of E-Sports Venues from the Requirement of Obtaining an AGC Licence", setting out the details of the exemption arrangements, for the trade’s reference and to facilitate their compliance.

     The President of Panama, Mr Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez, will arrive in Hong Kong on April 2 for a two-day official visit.

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will meet with Mr Varela Rodriguez on April 2 at Government House.

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting tomorrow (March 31).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.
     

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 30) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

Attention Duty Announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
Please broadcast the following and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     The Tourism Commission announces that in support of Earth Hour 2019 organised by the WWF, "A Symphony of Lights" will be suspended tonight (March 30). The show will resume as normal tomorrow (March 31).