Section 16 of the Ordinance provides that a person who is aggrieved by a prohibition or a refusal of a licence has the right to appeal to the Governor who may confirm, revise or vary any decision.
The appeal mechanism has not been invoked in recent years and its effectiveness has not been tested. We recommend that the present appeal procedure should be retained, but with appeal being to the Governor in Council.
20
B
A summary of the proposed changes to the Ordinance is at Annex B.
FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPLICATIONS
21
There are no staffing implications for Government arising from the proposals. The financial implications cannot be quantified at this stage. Consideration will be given to the need to amend the existing indemnity scheme relating to Urban Council venues, and Members will be informed of the outcome when the draft bill is submitted for Members' approval.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
22
Although no public consultation has been held on the proposals, the proposed changes seek to reflect views expressed directly to the Police and in the media.
PUBLIC REACTION
23 keen
media
Announcement of the outcome of the review will draw interest and provoke considerable public discussion.
The ensuing debate, which will be to a degree media-led, is likely to be controversial against a background of heightened public interest in human rights matters generally and the Bill of Rights in particular. There will be support for the liberalising proposals and Government may be given credit for responding reasonably quickly. However, there will also be criticism, and renewed pressure from liberal groups, human rights organisations and student bodies - possibly with support in legal and academic circles for a complete repeal of the Ordinance or the removal of the control provisions.
PUBLICITY
24
The Secretary for Security will make a speech to
objectives and main changes proposed.
The the municipal councils and district boards will be requests for further discussion with interested
explain the Chairmen of briefed, and
parties will be considered. and a spokesman made available.
A press release will be issued It will be emphasized that -