RESTRICTED
G.S. 84
8
3.
XCR(80)120
Opportunity is also taken in the present exercise to correct an omission in regulation 35 by providing a penalty for an offence under regulation 5(5) (regulation 5).
Staffing and Financial Implications
9
The Director of Urban Services considers that the additional workload arising from the implementation of the new legislation can be absorbed within existing staffing resources. The additional revenue from licence fees for existing factory canteens in the New Territories is estimated to be in the order of $80, 000 per annum.
Consultation and Implementation
10
The above proposals have been endorsed by the Food Hygiene Select Committee of the Urban Council who will introduce similar amendments to the Food Business By-laws as soon as the Regulations annexed have been made. It is intended that these Regulations (and the By-laws) will be brought into operation on 1st July. However, existing canteens will be given six months to apply for licences,
Public Relations
11
The lack of adequate lunch time catering facilities is a matter of public concern and any action taken by Government that genuinely results in an improvement is likely to be welcomed. On the other hand there may be some adverse reaction from operators of existing canteens which serve only workers in their own factory and are therefore exempt from any licensing conditions under existing legislation, though they are likely to benefit from increased patronage if there are other factories within the Building. In addition workers and pressure groups may criticise these measures on the grounds that private clubs will still be exempt and therefore will not have to pay fees.
Publicity
12
The proposal, if adopted, will need to be presented carefully. The publicity will emphasise that there is a need for proper control over the operation of factory canteens together with a need for them to be licensed so as to ensure satisfactory hygiene standards and to prevent outbreaks of diseases. The publicity will also highlight the special nature of these factory canteens and the restrictions in their usage.
RESTRICTED