E. Playing games or loitering so as to obstruct a public place

E. Playing games or loitering so as to obstruct a public place

Under section 4(23) of the Summary Offences Ordinance, a person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or excuse, he plays any game or loiters in any public place so as to obstruct the public place. The penalty is a fine of $2,000 and imprisonment for 3 months. 

Loitering is generally defined as idling, lingering, or hanging about. 

A more serious charge applies under the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200) if a person loiters in a public place and wilfully obstructs any person using that place. This carries a penalty of 6 months’ imprisonment.