Increasing Crackdown on Hong Kong’s Small Businesses Amid Political Turmoil

Hong Kong has witnessed significant restrictions on democratic activities over the years, particularly following a wave of mass arrests. This ongoing suppression continues to affect various sectors, including restaurants, bookstores, and other small enterprises.

Many of these businesses, once linked to the restrained democratic movement, now feel increasingly scrutinized. Official inspections, anonymous complaints, and regulatory checks have proliferated, making it feel as though there’s a tightening noose around their operations.

Critics argue that this is a subtle yet relentless attempt to extinguish dissent that escalated after Beijing imposed national security laws five years ago, leading to the imprisonment of opposition politicians and the closure of the pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily.

Authorities have justified these laws as essential for maintaining stability in the wake of the 2019 anti-government protests.

In 2024, a national security law specifically crafted for the city allowed the government to criminalize even minor acts, such as writing messages advocating independence on bus seats or wearing protest-related t-shirts—actions that Beijing interprets as provocations.

Increase in Inspections

Leticia Wong, a former Democratic District Councillor and current bookstore owner, reports that her store faces constant visits from various inspectors—food, sanitation, and fire safety—often prompted by complaints alleging issues like hosting unlicensed events.

This uptick in inspections notably coincides with June 4th, the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, a date that seems to exacerbate scrutiny. Wong noted that officials had taken nearly 92 actions against her shop in a span of just a few years, prompting her to study regulations to safeguard against potential violations.

“Some aspects may appear trivial, but they can still have serious consequences,” she said.

Wong’s experiences are echoed by other local business owners who similarly face heightened inspections. For example, a bakery known for its political decorations during the 2019 protests reported a substantial rise in inspections, significantly overshadowing the number of actual complaints received. An owner, fearing retaliation, shared how this surge in regulatory checks complicates daily operations.

An unnamed restaurant owner revealed they received a warning about the possibility of losing their business license due to vague national security violations, leaving them in a state of uncertainty about what constitutes a breach of those laws.

Food inspectors insist that their operations align with existing laws and public complaints. They claim that the new national security conditions for food business licenses are clear and do not impede lawful businesses.

Anonymous Complaints Add to Pressure

Wong’s experiences extend to anonymous complaints that have led to cancelled events at her bookstore. She shared that she also lost a freelance job after being blacklisted for unclear reasons, and even her landlord was approached by someone urging them not to rent to her.

Wong expressed a sense of systemic rejection, stating, “I feel that this society is working very hard to make my life difficult.” Another former district councillor, Jang Kim Kam, reported lost job opportunities after her employers faced pressure due to anonymous accusations against her. A letter sent to her employer alleged she made students uncomfortable, leading to her departure from a teaching position.

“When the culture of reporting intensifies, it erodes trust among people,” she commented.

Rule of Law and Public Reaction

Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, insists that the security law upholds the rule of law, claiming only a small number of people have faced prosecution. He noted that approximately 332 have been arrested for national security violations, equating to a mere fraction of total police arrests annually. However, he also acknowledged a sort of “soft resistance,” suggesting an undercurrent of discontent.

Local media reported that new national security guidelines are set to be distributed to government employees, with directives extending even to maintenance staff regarding reporting anything suspected of jeopardizing national security.

Yet, some experts argue that the government is using its regulatory powers to suppress dissent without adequate oversight. Eric Lye from Georgetown Asia Law remarked that Hong Kong is mirroring practices of undemocratic regimes, where surveillance goes unchecked.

“It indicates that Hong Kong’s so-called rule of law is just a facade,” he suggested.

On June 12th, members of the Democrats Federation League protested against these repressive measures, reiterating their belief in the importance of free expression and the dire consequences of a climate of silence.

Recently, a prominent democratic party announced its dissolution, citing immense political pressure. The chairperson, visibly emotional, stated, “This government’s focus has shifted to ordinary citizens, not just political activists.”