### Crowds Gather to Bids Farewell to Hong Kong's Iconic Independent Bookstore

Hong Kong, China – August 30, 2026 – The city's literary community gathered en masse on Sunday to pay tribute to the iconic independent bookstore, Have a Nice Stay, as it prepared to permanently close its doors following a tumultuous few years. The store, which has become a cultural beacon in the face of restrictive political measures, drew lines of customers stretching down the staircase of its Kowloon district location.

The closure of Have a Nice Stay marks the end of an era for Hong Kong's once vibrant independent bookstore scene. Since Beijing imposed sweeping national security legislation in 2020, the industry has seen a rapid decline. Many of these stores, including Have a Nice Stay, offered a diverse range of political and social titles that went beyond the mainstream retailers, serving as vital spaces for civil society through book talks and workshops.

The closure was announced in July, with the store citing poor business performance, financial pressures, and uncertainty over its premises as the primary reasons. However, many believe that the store's struggle was further compounded by the threat of legal repercussions over its content. Following a police raid in July, the store was accused of selling seditious books, an allegation that has deeply resonated with the community.

"We no longer have the ability, or perhaps the courage, to continue fulfilling the mission of using books to share knowledge drawn from a diversity of perspectives," the store's founders stated in an online statement last month.

Have a Nice Stay was established in 2022 by a group of former Stand News journalists and veteran media professionals who lost their jobs in the wake of the closure of independent local news outlets after the imposition of the national security law. The store aimed to continue the legacy of freedom of expression and access to information that these journalists championed.

The store's closing date, August 30, coincided with the final day of operation, prompting a flood of visitors eager to say their farewells and browse the remaining inventory. Only 20 people were allowed into the roughly 600 square-foot space at a time, but the line outside snaked down the staircase, testament to the store's enduring popularity.

The founders attributed the store's financial struggles to the "elusive red lines" set by government officials, who have not specified which books may or may not be sold. This lack of clarity has left bookstore owners and employees in a precarious position, with the fear of being targeted for selling controversial material ever-present.

"This is not just about the closure of a bookstore," a customer said, echoing the sentiments of many. "It's about the suppression of free speech and the chilling effect it has on our society."

The closure of Have a Nice Stay has sparked a wave of concern and activism in Hong Kong, with many calling for the protection of freedom of expression and the arts. The city's literary community is calling for a full investigation into the allegations against the bookstore and a reassessment of the national security legislation that has stifled artistic and intellectual freedom.

In a broader context, the closure of Have a Nice Stay is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by independent voices in the face of political pressure. It serves as a cautionary tale for those who value the freedom to express and explore diverse perspectives through literature.

As Have a Nice Stay prepares to close its doors for the last time, the city's literary community will carry forward the spirit of the bookstore, ensuring that the fight for freedom of expression and the arts continues to resonate in Hong Kong and beyond.