HONG KONG, April 29 — Leon Lai has apologised to disappointed fans after he was forced to cancel his concert yesterday at the last minute over fire safety concerns.

According to The South China Morning Post, Leon 30th Anniversary Random Love Songs 4D in live 2016 was axed two hours before it was due to begin.

The newspaper, quoting a senior member of the Fire Services Department, said the outdoor venue had failed to meet fire safety standards.

As a result, Hong Kong’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department refused to issue a temporary permit for the concert.

It is understood Lai would have been the first local singer to hold a concert at the Central Harbourfront marquee, which can accommodate 4,500 people.

However, inspectors deemed it a public safety risk after concluding that it could catch fire under strong stage lights.

The decision was made to pull the plug on the concert after the marquee failed the final inspection in the afternoon.

Yesterday’s concert was the first in a run of eight that were set for consecutive days until May 7 to mark Lai’s 30 years in show business.

Lai said he would make an announcement at 4pm today on what would happen to the rest of his concerts.

The 49-year-old Cantopop king also posted a video apology on his Facebook page yesterday.

In the clip, he explained that the fireproof material for the marquee did not meet British safety standards.

“We’re trying to see what changes we can make. People in the queue, please go home now. All I can say here is I’m sorry for all the inconvenience caused,” Lai said in the recorded message.

Lai then made a personal appearance at the scene, using a handheld megaphone to urge his fans to disperse after they continued to linger at the venue, The Standard reported.

They would have paid HK$980 (RM490) to HK$2,980 for a ticket.

In a second video, also posted on Facebook, he asked fans not to blame the department, saying he and his team would bear full responsibility.

“Please don’t misunderstand. I have to make it clear that the case had nothing to do with the department,” he said.

According to The Standard, offenders under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance are liable to a maximum fine of HK$25,000 and six months’ imprisonment, plus a daily fine of HK$2,000.