Ocean Park set to launch 'too scary' haunted house attraction

Hong Kong theme park Ocean Park is set to launch a new haunted house attraction, which it claims is so scary that it will require visitors to sign a disclaimer in case they fall ill or even die of fright after visiting it.

While the theme park admits this is just a marketing gimmick for its Halloween attraction, lawyers say a properly drafted document could in fact protect the park from potential claims if something did go awry.

Ocean Park says this is the first time it has introduced such a requirement for one of its attractions. The haunted house, dubbed H14, will open on 14th September and close after Halloween on 31st October.

Veteran barrister Charles Wong Tuk-ching, who specialises in civil claims, told The South China Morning Post that said a disclaimer could be legally sound if it was properly drafted.

Wong said it was a common practice for organisers of high-risk activities such as boxing, bungy jumps and car racing to request participants to sign a disclaimer.

However, he warned organisers that they could still be liable even with a disclaimer if they were found guilty of negligence that led to injuries or death.

Wong told The South China Morning Post "there are many factors to take in account (in deciding whether an organiser is liable), such as whether there are any defects in the facilities.

"For example, no one would expect to step into a big hole in complete darkness ... there is no simple, straightforward answer to determining liability."

The 15-minute H14 experience will be open only to visitors aged 16 years and over. 

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