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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
Chairman (in Cantonese):-Ladies and gentlemen. I now call the meeting to order.
I
CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 11 MARCH 1997
The minutes of meeting held on 11 March 1997 were confirmed.
PAPER LAID
The following paper was laid-Report to the Urban Council by the Secretary, Urban Council for the month of March 1997.
III QUESTIONS
(1) MR. AMBROSE CHEUNG WING-SUM asked the following question (in Cantonese):—'Owing to the rapid development of local districts and changes in the mode of trading, it has become a trend in recent years for some sectors to operate similar business in the same area. For instance, there are many bars and restaurants at Tong Chong Street in Quarry Bay and Staunton Street in Central. In the circumstances, inevitably some pressure is created on the original features, livelihood of residents and even existing facilities in these districts. I would like to ask: In view of the above situation, has the Council made any appropriate adjustments to the policy on liquor licensing? If yes, which parts are adjusted and on what principles? If no, what are the reasons?'
MR. SAN STEPHEN WONG HON-CHING, CHAIRMAN OF THE LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD, replied as follows (in Cantonese):-The question concerns the licensing policy in relation to the issue of liquor licenses in certain areas.
At present, liquor licensing is based on three major principles. Firstly, the premises to which the licence relates must be either a licensed restaurant or else a club registered under the Club Ordinance, Cap. 376 and thus suitable, in terms of health, building and fire safety, to accommodate customers. Secondly, the applicant should be a fit and proper person to hold the liquor licence. Thirdly, the selling of liquor in the premises should not cause inconvenience or nuisance to residents in the vicinity.
Unless these three principles are met in full, a liquor licence will not be issued. At present, there is no Council policy to restrict the number of bars and restaurants in any particular area. However, in processing applications for liquor licences, account will be taken of the environment of the location where the premises are situated and the manner of operation of selling liquor. In some cases, the Council has exercised its power to impose particular licensing conditions to govern liquor selling activities. For instance, in areas which are becoming more popular with the restaurant trade such as Staunton Street,
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