XN000022-1995-04-19 — Page 2

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Public entertainment licensing system to be simplified

The licensing system for public entertainment will be simplified if the proposed Public Entertainment and Amusement (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is passed into law.

Under the new bill, the power of the Commissioner for Television and Entertainment Licensing to issue permits to govern the form and content of public entertainment under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance will be abolished.

"Organisers of public entertainment will in future only need to obtain a licence from the Licensing Authority (the Urban Council in the urban area and the Regional Council in the New Territories) to cover the safety and hygiene of the venue, and safety of the participants," a spokesman for the Recreation and Culture Branch explained today (Wednesday).

"Public live performances will continue to be controlled by Section 12A of the Summary Offences Ordinance which stipulates that it is an offence to take part in, provide or manage public live performance of an indecent, obscene, revolting or offensive nature.

"Police officers acting under a warrant can enter premises where it is suspected that such a performance is or may be taking place, conduct a search and seize articles related to the performance."

The spokesman pointed out that the proposed abolition of the permit system was part of Government's continued efforts in promoting freedom of expression and simplifying governmental procedures.

"Under the existing permit system, because of the nature of the performance, the permit is ineffective to guard against impromptu indecent content in public entertainment anyway," he added.