9
"First, it is imperative that operators understand that we will not allow them to jeopardise the safety of their customers by opening for business premises which do not comply with fire and building safety requirements.
"Many of the premises inspected were operating either having done none of the required work or, in a number of instances, whilst the work was still going on. In both cases, this poses a totally unacceptable risk to patrons," Mr Stephenson said.
"Secondly, we hope to drive home the message to operators of smaller local person guesthouses, who have until September 1996 to upgrade, that they should begin work without delay unless they wish to find themselves in a similar situation in nine months time.
"Lastly, we wish to warn the public of the dangers of frequenting these guesthouses and urge members of the public to help crack down on unlicensed guesthouses by reporting them to the Licensing Authority."
Reports can be made by telephoning 2881 7034 or 2881 7035.
Mr Stephenson advised operators who encountered difficulty in carrying out the improvements to cease operation and contact officers of the Licensing Authority, who would be pleased to give advice.
End
ICC to hold fourth plenary meeting
The Infrastructure Co-ordinating Committee (ICC) will hold its fourth plenary meeting in Hong Kong on Saturday (December 16) at 9.30 am at 28 Kennedy Road.
The Hong Kong team will be led by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, and the Chinese team by the Director. Hong Kong Economic Department, the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the Chinese State Council, Mr Zhang Liangdong.
The meeting will receive reports from the ICC panels and discuss the next stage of work of the main committee and its panels.
End
Page 10Page 11