Friday, December 21, 1973
LIGIFING RESTRICTIONS FOR NEW YEAR FESTIVALS
The Government is to grant a temporary and partial extension to
the period in which lights are allowed to be turned on during the
forthcoming new year festivals.
The Chairman of the Oil Policy Committee, Mr. M.D.A. Clinton, said
today that the present 10.30 p.m. "switch off" deadline would be extended
on New Year's Eve (December 31) until 1 a.m. the next day.
For the Lunar New Year, the extensions will be spread over three
days. On the nights of January 20 and January 21, the normal 10.30 p..
deadline will be extended till 1 a.m. on the following days. On the night
of January 22 the lights will be permitted to remain on until 7 a.m. the
following morning (January 23), which is the first day of the Lunar New Year.
Mr. Clinton said the decision had been made after taking into
consideration the opinions of a wide cross-section of the Community.
The extension to the hours of lighting was in keeping with the
traditions of these two festivals from which so many people derived enjoyment.
Mr. Clinton explained that Christmas was not included because it
was felt that the neon lights were not essential for the celebration of this
festival which, by tradition, is more of a family affair at home
He stressed that the extension was only for a total of four days,
and that at all other times, the existing restrictions must remain in force.
Although the lights are permitted during the specified hours, Mr. Clinton
said, it does not mean that they must be turned on.
"In fact, the more voluntary restraints we have, the less likelihood
there is of mandatory restrictions appearing at a later date."
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