1992

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operations. And this is really fair to them and ample time has been given to the licensed holders to discipline themselves. It was only in May that the Department carried out the raids. The raids were different in nature this time because these raids had special targets. The USD had collected an overall information and they were fully aware of the environmental nuisance caused by certain licensed operators. So these raids were specifically targeted at certain people and the prosecutions had also been different from the past. Apart from having points deducted under the demerit points system, the offenders would face cancellation or suspension of licences in the worst possible scenario. I think we have achieved something good out of this particular exercise but the effectiveness can be shortlived unless we are to do something that can translate the effectiveness into a long term one. In Sham Shui Po, we very much like to see the UC as well as the USD can continue deploying the necessary manpower resources to really turn this kind of exercises into a regular and more long term exercise. We fully support this exercise in which some targets have been identified beforehand and prosecution actions were taken out against these themes. It is only through a series of prosecution actions before their licences can be suspended or cancelled. At the end of the day we like to put across the message to the operators that the action taken by USD is positive and USD would show its determination to carry on with the raids if they are going to neglect our requirements and if they are to be uncooperative in future. If they are going to do so they would face cancellation of licences. Only then we will achieve the deterrent effect and only then will they exercise self discipline and comply with the licensing conditions. With these remarks, Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.

MR. SAN STEPHEN WONG HON-CHING (in Cantonese):-Similar to the Sham Shui Po District Board, the Wan Chai District Board after the raiding operation i.e. on 5 May, and the Wan Chai Environmental Improvement Committee has fully discussed this matter. Basically, the Wan Chai District Board was in support of the Department's action based on the following reasons.

These illegal food establishments extending on the pavement obstruct the free flow of pedestrians. Also pedestrians, because of these obstructions are forced to walk on the road and thus compete road space with vehicles especially at Wan Chai Road. We can see that such phenomenon is indeed dangerous. Many fish stallholders, vegetable stallholders or shops selling these sorts of goods are putting these items on foot path and these goods sometimes require watering and so the whole of the foot path was made wet and it is very slippery and dangerous, particularly for old people. So this create a lot of problems for road users. I would not like to go into the details because Mr. Ambrose CHEUNG has mentioned these problems in great depth just now. On behalf of Wan Chai District Board, and my voters, I would like to support this motion. As Mr. Ambrose CHEUNG said that this should not be a short term exercise, and should be made a long term and permanent exercise so that Urban Council will not be criticized in the future by members of the public. I am in support of the motion.

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MR. CHIANG SAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese):-I am glad to see the effective action taken by the USD. In April, as Mr. CHEUNG said the USD have been very active in taking action to curb the illegal extensions by restaurants. April was a publicity period, I think that that was a very important phase. Before we implemented the legislation, it was necessary for people to be aware of the fact that they have done something wrong. In April, I understood that many operators have received warning letters about the nuisance that they are causing to the members of the public. In May, the enforcement month, I knew that the Department has stepped up manpower resources to take out prosecution action on top of the routine operation. I was lucky enough to witness one operation in Kowloon City and I understand that the USD staff have done a really excellent job and all the operations have been proceeding very smoothly. Now this is going to be a very good start, a marvellous start. As some members said a moment ago, we have to take stock of the whole exercise that took place in April and May and try to come up with the findings and see where the deficiencies lie. We try to absorb all the lessons before we can formulate a more comprehensive sort of strategy in order to curb these illegal activities. I think that the Department should really take some follow-up actions. This is an initial action and on my part I am really fully appreciative of the action taken by the Department. In the months to come, the Department would pay attention to the toilets, kitchens and exposure of food in these restaurants. I just hope that the departmental staff who, in future, try harder or do more in improving the hygiene condition in Hong Kong. Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.

MS YEUNG KAM-CHUN (in Cantonese):-The operation has been discussed by the Kwun Tong District Board and the Kwun Tong District Board is in support of the operation. But it appears that the operation which has been embarked on Kwun Tong was rather shortlived. Now the problem appears to have reoccurred again. We were the first area to have this operation embarked on and now the problems reoccur again and it appears that the penalty was not heavy and the operation was not done so frequently. Therefore, the food operators at Mut Wah Street, Fu Yan Street and Yue Man Fong are now illegally extending their business especially after 9.00 p.m. in the evening when staff of USD have finished the job. So it appears that the good result is rather shortlived and so Kwun Tong District Board members wish that a way can be devised and we hope that Urban Council will not be criticized by members of the public that we are half hearted in our determination to eradicate the problem and I hope that in future these operations should continue. I am in favour of this motion. On top of that, may I add by saying that many restaurants cease renting any premises and instead they rent the premises to other people to operate goldsmith shop. They operate their restaurant business illegally on street, so please bear in mind the problem and hope that this raiding operation can be made a continuous one.

MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese):-These restaurants are normally located in areas where we have hustle and bustle and many a time these restaurants extending their business illegally onto the pavements, and they are causing quite

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