Good morning,
Today I found out that Scotland is starting a cashback recycling programme for bottles and cans (similar to the German ‘Pfand’ system if you’re familiar). Immediately cynical me remembered that Hong Kong does have one of these systems- the RVM. Which I’m really not a fan of.
I made a twitter thread complaining - they’re inconvenient technobabble that causes more problems than it solves.
If only one person reads and shares it (so my venting becomes justified), let it be a Tide reader.


— Cyril (who hates the recycling machines)
On Today’s Tide
Society | Gay Marriage incompatible with Basic Law
COVID | Mass sports events suddenly cancelled
Culture | Peak trams return with 60% price hike
Events
Behind the paywall:
Politics | Jimmy Lai fraud case: Civil or criminal?
Entertainment | Claw Machines are not entertainment
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Gay Marriage incompatible with Basic Law (???)
Sham, who married his husband in 2013 in New York, has been fighting for his marriage to be recognised locally since 2018.
He argued that Article 37 of the Basic Law which states freedom of marriage is protected by law must allow his marriage to also be recognised. However, in handing down their judgement, the Court of Appeal said that the Basic Law was written in the 1990s, and the first instance of homosexual being recognised anywhere in the world was in 2001 in the Netherlands (trust the Dutch!)
Therefore, “self-evidently, the drafters of the Basic Law must have only used the term 'marriage' in the traditional sense of being a union between a heterosexual couple. Any suggestion otherwise is divorced from reality”, said the judgement.
Following on, the judgement said that to accept an overseas homosexual marriage would create "inherent incompatibility” with local homosexual couples who want to be married….not that….they can in Hong Kong…..
COVID in Hong Kong


COVID-19 in Hong Kong
New cases: 7884 (207 imported)
Total cases: 1,479,393
New deaths: 14
Total deaths: 9,634
Compulsory Testing locations: 23
No sport for the COVwicked
The Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates announced yesterday that the ‘Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong 10k Championships’ marathon set to take place on Sunday will be cancelled. This is despite all runners being vaccinated and a staggered race day to reduce transmission.
All runners will have their registration fees refunded.
The Cross-harbour swim has also reduced it’s numbers from 2000 to 500 - staff included (this means only 3-400 swimmers can actually swim). If the weather gets too cold, the event may be cancelled, but the association is in talks to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Peak Tram prices peak
The Peak Tram will finally be returning on Saturday….but with a 60% price hike. A return trip will now cost $88 from $52 before the revamp.
The price hike is partially due to an increase in construction cost brought about by the pandemic - most of the parts were made in Switzerland.
The trams have been out of commission since June of last year. Both the trams and the terminus on Garden Road have been thoroughly enlarged - the trams now hold 210 from a previous 120.
Although we all already miss the red livery of the retiring 5th Gen trams, the green livery of the 6th actually refers back to older models - such as the 4th Gen by the peak terminal.
Events and deals
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Gokan bar takeover
HT x partner Gokan is having their first ever bar takeover, featuring bartenders Tony and Henry from Glass Gardener and solo mixologist Chi Ho. An exclusive menu will be available for the two nights, featuring original cocktails designed by the Trio.
When: 26-28th Aug, 6-11pm
Where: Gokan, 192A Hollywood Road
Schol! Belgium Beer Week: 22 - 28 Aug
Belgium Beer Week’s first foray outside of their home country sees them expanding across the world and Hong Kong is leading by example, having a whooping 11 venues to celebrate in - one of the highest number in the world.
Each bar will host their own events during the week.
See our full coverage for details on location, timings and events!
Official media partner: ReThink HK returns 5-6 Oct
HT is proud to once again be a media partner for ReThink - HK’s biggest and most exciting sustainability conference. This year’s conference invites more than 300 expert speakers to share their visions and insights, covering important topics like economic progression while coexisting with nature harmoniously, efficient use of resources, transformation to a low-carbon society, and circular economy for future generations.
Sign up here using the code HTP22 for 40% off!
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