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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):-I think the answer has been given. The information will be given to members after the meeting. Mr. Daniel To.
Mr. Daniel To (in Cantonese):--For the 6 unlicensed cinemas, are there any potential risks in terms of public safety? If the USD cannot issue closure orders, are there any other Departments which are authorized to issue closure orders?
Mr. Joseph Chan (in Cantonese):- There are potential hazards because they are unlicensed cinemas. Apart from the USD, the Buildings Department and the Fire Services Department can also take enforcement action according to their respective Ordinances.
Mr. Stanley Ng (in Cantonese):--Mr. Joseph Chan said that the imposition of fine has nothing to do with the Council. I understand that we are not the Legislative Council. But is it possible for the Select Committee concerned to discuss the matter and then make recommendations to the authority to revise the level of fines?
Mr. Joseph Chan (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, we can discuss and make recommendations. Actually the RCB is now reviewing the law with other Government Departments.
MR. WU CHI-WAI (in Cantonese): -Thank you Mr. Chairman. Apart from imposing fines as a deterrent, can we also review our licensing procedure. Similar to food establishments, instead of closing down their business, cinema operators have taken into account fines imposed into their operating costs. Is it because the licensing system is not so clear that renders the operators of these unlicensed premises to continue to operate despite the risk of being prosecuted? Is it possible for the Select Committee concerned to review the licensing procedures?
Mr. Joseph Chan (in Cantonese):-We can of course review the licensing procedures of cinemas, but not the whole licensing system of the Council. The RCB is now reviewing the legislation and if Members have any opinions, they can raise them at the Public Health Committee, so that their views can be referred to the Authority.
MR. RONNIE WONG (in Cantonese):—May I know what are the sizes of these unlicensed cinemas, how many people can they accommodate? I know that in private buildings there are studios and are these regarded as unlicensed cinemas because they are selling tickets to 30 to 40 customers?
MR. JOSEPH CHAN (in Cantonese):--Mr. Chairman. I do not have any information at hand concerning the size or scale of the 6 unlicensed cinemas. But according to my understanding, some shops have been converted into cinemas, so their size may not be very big. As for studios in private buildings they are exempted from licensing.
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