HEALTH
170
Food Premises
The USD and RSD grade licensed food premises according to their hygiene standards. The frequency of inspections is determined by the grade of the premises to better utilise manpower and resources. Both departments maintain a demerit points system for the suspension or cancellation of licenses or permits, to deter breaches of health regulations. The system is regularly reviewed to ensure its effectiveness. Strict control is exercised over food premises which fail to apply for a licence, or which have not complied with the specified requirements. Weekly prosecution of repeated offenders has led to a drastic reduction in the number of unlicensed food premises.
The processing time for licence applications fell markedly after a central, inter- departmental vetting panel was set up to give initial comment on the suitability of the premises intended to operate as a restaurant and provide an opportunity for applicants to seek instant advice.
To further encourage applicants to speed up compliance with the licensing pre- requisites, both municipal councils agreed to issue 'provisional licences' to applicants for full restaurant licences. Premises where major structural work and fitting-out had been completed and fundamental health, structural and fire safety requirements met would be issued with 'provisional licences'. Applicants could operate business with the provisional licences while waiting for full licences.
Markets
The municipal councils manage public markets in their respective areas. The Regional Council administered 45 markets in the New Territories, providing a total of 5 289 market stalls and 406 cooked food stalls.
As its first air-conditioned public market in Shek Wu Hui was very well received, the Regional Council plans to provide air-conditioning in all future markets and cooked food centres. Where economically viable and technically feasible, existing facilities will also be air-conditioned. Toilets, lighting, drainage and ancillary facilities are being improved at 16 selected markets. Cleaning operations in 16 public markets have been contracted out to enhance cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
The Urban Council operated 62 retail markets in 1995. Old and outdated markets have gradually been replaced and the council managed 17 multi-complexes during the year. These house markets and cooked food centres on the lower floors and a variety of facilities for indoor sports activities and cultural and recreational pursuits.
The new Causeway Bay Market was opened in April and the Pei Ho Street Market, Sham Shui Po, in August.
Hawkers
The two municipal councils maintain control over on-street hawkers. The Regional Council has implemented all the recommendations by its Working Group on Illegal Hawking and Illegal Shop Extension. A sub-committee was re-constituted to monitor the implementation and review the effectiveness of the various measures in combating such illegal activities. During the year, the councils' hawker control teams, totalling 3 173 trained staff members, secured 139 204 court convictions on illegal hawking offences.