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The question was put.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
The motion was carried unanimously.
(6) MR. SUEN Kai-cheong moved the following motion:
"Since the Urban Council is responsible for co-ordinating the processing and issue of Restaurant Licence, but some applicants consider the procedure for issue of the Licence is too complicated and time-consuming, RESOLVED that this Council should amend the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132, requiring the applicants of Restaurant Licence to apply simultaneously to the Buildings Department and the Fire Services Department for the necessary safety certificates. If they have obtained the relevant certificates, the Council will process the applications according to the licensing requirements."
He said (in Cantonese):—Mr. motion today reads:
'Since the Urban Council is responsible for co-ordinating the processing and issue of Restaurant Licence, but some applicants consider the procedure for issue of the Licence is too complicated and time-consuming, RESOLVED that this Council should amend the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132, requiring the applicants of Restaurant Licence to apply simultaneously to the Buildings Department and the Fire Services Department for the necessary safety certificates. If they have obtained the relevant certificates, the Council will process the applications according to the licensing requirements.'
At present, the application and issue of Restaurant Licences are coordinated and processed by the Urban Council. Some applicants feel that the procedure is too time-consuming and inefficient. If it is the applicant who cannot meet the licensing requirements, it has nothing to do with the Council. Very often, that is not the case. Another reason is that applications for Restaurant Licences have to go through vetting procedures of different government departments such as the Fire Services Department and the Buildings Department. The Urban Services Department only acts as a coordinator. With the introduction of new licensing procedures on 1 August 1983, efficiency has improved. However, the crux of the matter is still not yet solved. We are aware that the USD is helpless under the circumstances because other departments involved are independent and the USD or the Urban Council has no say over their work efficiency. If the inefficiency of other government departments has caused delays in the issue of licences to the discontent of the public, and the Council or the USD has become the target of criticism and complaints, it is unfair to us. That is why I so move today.
In accordance with our social development, government departments should be accountable to the public and they should state their performance pledges.