Legislators urge broader cooling-off law after abrupt Hotstone Yoga closure

Hong Kong lawmakers have called for the government to broaden the scope of an upcoming cooling-off law to protect consumers in the rapidly evolving wellness market. The abrupt closure of the Hotstone Yoga chain has triggered the financial losses of more than 500 customers, totaling HK$3.9 million (US$497,030). The government has pledged to introduce a cooling-off bill in the Legislative Council's first half of 2027, aiming to establish a statutory seven-day cooling-off period and 14-day refund window for prepaid contracts.

However, legislators contend the current proposals are too narrowly focused on fitness centers and beauty parlors, leaving consumers unprotected against emerging wellness trends.

Lawmaker Jeff Yiu commented that the legislation must keep pace with shifting market trends, distinguishing between various wellness activities like kickboxing, Pilates, and yoga. The government has proposed a seven-day cooling-off period and refund window for contracts valued between HK$3,000 and HK$15,000, although exemptions for lower-value contracts could minimize disruption.

Despite assurances that yoga studios offering general fitness classes would fall under the cooling-off law's purview, lawmakers worry about the grey areas surrounding real-world operations, warning that consumers without a legal background may be left vulnerable without explicit statutory coverage.

A Hotstone Yoga customer detailed that at least 500 individuals suffered financial losses due to the abrupt closure. The company cited "business operations and other actual circumstances" for the shutdown, offering to pay outstanding September wages by October 5 and refund class fees from that month by the same date. The Consumer Council has recorded 286 complaints related to the closure, involving HK$3,909,444 in claimed losses.

Police have received multiple reports of individuals purchasing class packages from a local yoga center that unexpectedly closed. The case will be referred to relevant departments for follow-up.