Also lifted are capacity caps at public premises and the 240-person limit for banquets. People also do not have to undergo rapid Covid tests before going to bars and banquets.

Eating and drinking will also be allowed in outdoor areas of entertainment and sports venues.

The expo, which is licensed as a place of public entertainment, is resuming tasting after a suspension of nearly three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chinese Manufacturers' Association president Allen Shi Lop-tak said the relaxation will boost sales at the expo as well as improve the business environment.

Some exhibitors are preparing to start offering food sampling today, and they include Sau Tao Group, which expects the easing to boost its business by at least 20 percent.

"Food tasting will make the expo more lively. We sell chicken hot pot, brisket and pork trotter and all of them will be available for tasting. If citizens can have a try, they will definitely be more willing to buy," said its sales and marketing officer.

Leung Chun-wah, chairman of the Association for Hong Kong Catering Services Management, also said the relaxation will boost the catering business during Lunar New Year to 70 to 80 percent of prepandemic level.

Leung said the previous limit of 120 and 240 people had a huge impact on the sector as they could not host large-scale banquets.

But he said the requirement of keeping a 1.5-meter distance between tables would still restrict restaurants' room to maneuver , as a space sufficient for 100 tables previously could only accommodate 60 to 70 tables now.

But bar owners are not optimistic for their Christmas custom as many Hongkongers will be traveling, Licensed Bar and Club Association president Ben Leung Lap-yan said.

Hong Kong Disneyland said the move could attract more local and overseas tourists to the theme park.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort managing director Michael Moriarty said it has been welcoming people from countries such as Australia, the Philippines and Singapore.