Hong Kong journalist arrested on sedition charge

Hong Kong's Hotstone Yoga chain abruptly closed its doors on Thursday, leaving hundreds of customers in financial distress. The Consumer Council recorded 27 complaints, totaling HK$429,326 in losses due to the abrupt shutdown. Customs and Excise Department authorities announced an investigation into the matter. A dissatisfied customer, Chan, estimated that over 500 customers suffered financial setbacks as a result of the unexpected closure.

Some customers were reportedly forced to buy extra classes on Sunday and Monday, while the most expensive package cost HK$29,700 for 180 classes. Chan received the closure notice from Hotstone via WhatsApp just an hour before her scheduled class the night before, highlighting the company's lack of communication. The notice, issued by Cheung & Co law firm and posted outside the Kwun Tong studio, stated that Hotstone was shutting down due to business operations and other actual circumstances.

The company would cease operations by the end of Wednesday, and provided an email address for customers with rights, debts, or other claims to submit documents. Hotstone promised to pay September wages and refund class fees by October 5. Most of the company's social media pages were disabled by Thursday afternoon. Hotstone had been in operation for 10 years, with studios in Central, Causeway Bay, Aberdeen, Jordan, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, and Kwun Tong.

Despite Hotstone's claims, Chan expressed doubt about receiving a refund, as some customers had already contacted police, customs, and the Consumer Council, seeking refunds through credit card call centers. Two instructors at the Kwun Tong studio reportedly had no prior knowledge of the closure and only the on-duty staff member, a cleaner, informed Chan of the situation, stating that management had instructed employees not to inform members.

Customs indicated they would enforce the Trade Descriptions Ordinance if they found any breaches. The South China Morning Post has contacted Hotstone and the police for comment.