Leading Mainland bar-restaurant chain Commune opens flagship store in Hong Kong to power overseas expansion
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (August 5) that Commune, a leading bar-restaurant chain from the Mainland, has opened its first store in Hong Kong, marking a significant step in its global expansion. The brand will establish its regional headquarters in the city to steer overseas growth. Located at Lee Garden Three in Causeway Bay, the store serves as the group's flagship location in Hong Kong.
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Mr Arnold Lau said, "Hong Kong has always been the perfect launchpad for brands to test new ideas, connect with an international audience, and grow across the region. Commune's decision to open its first store here highlights the city's key advantages: a sophisticated consumer market, a vibrant dining scene, and its role as a gateway to Southeast Asia and beyond. We are delighted to support the brand in setting up in Hong Kong and look forward to seeing it flourish throughout the region."
The Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Commune, Ms Fan Xiameng, said, "Hong Kong is the first step in Commune's global journey. The city's international clientele, excellent business environment, and robust legal framework provide the ideal foundation for us to build our brand and expand across Southeast Asia. We are deeply committed to Hong Kong, with plans to open additional store locations over the next 12 months."
Commune is an all-day directly-managed bar-restaurant chain that combines craft brewers, curated dishes and spacious social areas to create a relaxed and comfortable gathering setting for customers. Operating in over 100 locations across the Chinese Mainland, Commune has ranked first among bar-restaurant brands in the market by revenue for three consecutive years since 2022.
Throughout the setup process, InvestHK provided end-to-end strategic guidance, including licensing regulation and visa facilitation, location advisory, and industry ecosystem networking, ensuring a seamless launch for the brand's regional expansion out of Hong Kong.
For more information about Commune, please visit www.jiwusiwei.com (Chinese only).
Leading Mainland bar-restaurant chain Commune opens flagship store in Hong Kong to power overseas expansion Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Leading Mainland bar-restaurant chain Commune opens flagship store in Hong Kong to power overseas expansion Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Leading Mainland bar-restaurant chain Commune opens flagship store in Hong Kong to power overseas expansion Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine
The Department of Health (DH) today (August 5) conducted operations across multiple districts in Hong Kong to crack down on the illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine, seizing approximately 100 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese. Additionally, a man was arrested on suspicion of violating the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138) (the Ordinance).
The DH received a report that pain relief medicine classified as Part 1 poisons under the Ordinance were being sold or possessed on the market. However, the products were labelled in Japanese and were suspected of not being registered in Hong Kong. Hence, the DH officers today conducted unannounced inspections in various districts, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Sheung Shui and Yuen Long. At an Authorized Seller of Poisons (ASP), commonly known as a pharmacy, a Listed Seller of Poisons (LSP) commonly known as a medicine company and two retail outlets, DH officers seized approximately 100 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese and did not bear a Hong Kong pharmaceutical product Registration Number. They are suspected to be medicine containing "Ibuprofen" and "dihydrocodeine". A 38-year-old man was arrested by the police on suspicion of contravention of drug-related offences, including, illegal possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 Poisons.
The DH will continue to investigate and follow-up on the case, and will prosecute other individuals involved in the case when sufficient evidence is available.
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killer and its side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort and peptic ulcers. Dihydrocodeine is an opioid analgesic used as a cough suppressant and for pain relief, and its side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation and drowsiness. Medicines containing Ibuprofen and dihydrocodeine are Part 1 poisons and should only be supplied by a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist or upon the advice of a medical practitioner.
The DH has an established mechanism to monitor the sale of pharmaceutical products in the market (including the Internet). If the DH detects any suspected illegal sale or possession of pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons, the DH will promptly investigate, and, if necessary, refer the case to other law enforcement agencies to follow up, or conduct joint operations with other law enforcement agencies, and any irregularities so found will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences under the Ordinance, which upon conviction, are subject to a fine of up to $100,000 and an imprisonment for two years.
According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. The DH reminded the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.
The DH strongly urged members of the public to consult healthcare professionals before consuming any medication. Do not self-purchase or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources as their safety, quality and efficacy are unguaranteed. The DH has prepared some safety information for consumers regarding the purchase and use of medicines, namely Be Cautious when Buying Medicines on Internet, General Knowledge on Registered Medicines, Be Cautious When Buying Medicines Overseas.
DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
