Bill could bring yoga and Pilates studios under gym rules

Yoga and Pilates studios equipped with large apparatus, such as reformer beds and shaping machines, may need to be regulated as gyms, a Legislative Assembly committee has suggested, raising questions about whether such premises should face the same safety requirements.

The question arose as the assembly’s Third Standing Committee completed its first article-by-article review of the Bill on the Regulation of Specific Businesses and Activities on Friday. Chairman Leong Sun Iok and secretary Leong Hong Sai said the committee would compile a list of questions for the government.

Under the bill, gyms would no longer face restrictions on opening hours, provided their premises meet hygiene and safety standards – a change intended to give operators more flexibility. The committee wants clarity on whether studios offering yoga and Pilates using heavy equipment fall within that regime.

Film production and directing would be regulated under a tiered system, with work not involving specified circumstances moving to a registration system requiring at least five working days’ notice. As the bill offers no definition of the activity, the committee asked whether self-media videos and promotional clips produced by shops would be covered.

Charity walks, fundraising activities and lucky draws would require prior registration, but the committee questioned why changes to an already registered event would have to meet the same notice period – for example, changes to a charity walk would also require 10 working days’ notice. It further asked whether authorities could alter an event’s time, location or content, or impose conditions, on as little as 24 hours’ notice.

Internet cafes would retain restrictions on entry and length of stay for young people, with operating-hour limits lifted in view of existing noise regulations. The committee asked why current requirements would be retained, particularly the focus on web browsing rather than computer gaming, and how they would protect young people.

Premises selling pornographic materials would largely retain existing regulations, though licensing conditions for non-specialist outlets would be relaxed, requiring adult-only zones and sealed packaging for the materials. The committee sought an explanation for the changes.

Existing vehicle repair workshops not handling painting, welding or lithium batteries would have 60 days from the law’s commencement to register, while those performing such work could continue operating at their existing premises if they meet technical requirements, until the licensee changes. The committee asked whether workshops could meet the requirements within the deadline, what support would be available if not, and requested detailed transition arrangements and data.

Members also raised questions about what counts as a large amusement facility, whether staff handling lithium batteries should be required to have qualifications or training, and the basis for administrative penalties, particularly fine levels and how they would be coordinated.