XN000022-1996-03-13 — Page 37

(b)

(c)

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of the existing staff establishment of the Department responsible for the processing of such applications, and whether there is sufficient manpower to cope with the workload; and

whether consideration has been given to recruiting more building surveyors so as to speed up the processing of such applications?

Answer:

Mr President.

My answers to the three parts of the question are as follows:

(a)

(b)

I want to point out first that the Urban Services Department and the Regional Services Departments, as the executive arms of the two Municipal Councils, are responsible for the processing of General or Light Refreshment Restaurant Licence applications. In doing so, these two councils seek the comments of other Government departments on various matters. The Buildings Department is consulted on the structural suitability of the concerned premises, adequacy of the means of escape and the existence of any unauthorised building works posing a risk to safety.

Since the introduction by the Municipal Councils of the Central Application Vetting Panel System in 1993, the Buildings Department has been able to give its comment on all new applications within 30 days. However, in cases where the applicant has to submit revised plans or structural plans, to carry out alterations, to remove unauthorised building works, or where re-inspection of the premises has to be conducted, it may take about six months on some occasions to process the applications.

The Licensing Unit of Buildings Department deals with restaurant licence applications, and also licence applications for places of public entertainment and for certificates under the Education Ordinance and Child Care Centre Ordinance regarding the suitability of premises to be used as education facilities or child care centres.

The unit is responsible for the overall work. Its current establishment consisted of one senior building surveyor, five building surveyors and five survey officers. The Licensing Unit is also supported by one senior structural engineer and two structural engineers.