Page 407 of 485
Page 407 of 485
120
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
new recruits of the HCT have to undergo an intensive 7-week basic training before they are posted out to carry out their duties. In addition, refresher courses/seminars are also regularly provided for serving officers. The training courses cover a variety of subjects including physical fitness, self-defence and first aid. This will ensure that HCT members can discharge their duties confidently.
MR. STANLEY NG WING-FAI (in Cantonese):-Since the establishment of the Hawker Control Officer grade in 1994, there has been 7 complaints about HCT members being attacked or assaulted. I would like to know how many of the investigations of such cases have been completed and whether the people concerned have been punished.
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese):-Well, about the number of cases detected, I don't have the figures in hand because the cases have been referred to the Police for further investigation so that appropriate action can be taken against the culprits. And where action is necessary, the Police are the one to take actions. If Mr. NG really wants to know in how many cases the culprits have been prosecuted, I can provide him with the figures after the meeting.
(5) MR. CHAN KWOK-LEUNG asked the following question (in Cantonese);— I have the following questions on the Council's policy on liquor licence and associated matters:
(a) The Chairman of the Urban Services Appeals Board, Mr. Justice LEONG, in handling an appeal case in January 1996 regarding the Liquor Licensing Board's decision to reject an application for issue of liquor licence, pointed out again that the Council should formulate a clear and open liquor licensing policy and criteria for reference and compliance by the public, the Council's Liquor Licensing Board and the Urban Services Appeals Board. Please advise on the latest progress on formulating such policy and criteria by the Council.
(b) How much processing time is generally required from the receipt of an application to the issue of a liquor licence? If applications for a general restaurant or light refreshment licence and a liquor licence are made at the same time, can the Council simplify the application, vetting and inspection procedures and issue the liquor licence and the restaurant licence simultaneously?
(c) In the past 5 years, how many applications for liquor licences were received? What are the results of the applications? Among the unsuccessful applicants, how many of them made a successful appeal to the Urban Services Appeals Board?
(d) Generally speaking, does the Urban Services Appeals Board use the licensing policy and guidelines of the Liquor Licensing Board as the basis for examining appeal cases? If 'no', what is the basis of the Appeal Board's consideration and judgment?
Page 407 of 485
£185