12.
Mr Leung explained that all applications were first submitted to the respective licensing authority- the Urban Services Department or Regional Services Department.
An application vetting panel will then be convened, where staff of the respective licensing authority, the Buildings Department and Fire Services Department will make joint site inspections and meet individual applicants to discuss their applications.
"For all the first-time applications, the Buildings Department is able to achieve a targeted standard of informing the applicants of the results and licensing requirements within 30 days of the application," Mr Leung said.
As to the re-submitted applications, Mr Leung pointed out that longer processing time would be needed, mainly because of the extra time required for vetting remedial proposals and verifying compliance with the requirements under the Buildings Ordinance.
"We have to be satisfied with the public safety standard of the restaurant premises before recommending the approval of the applications," Mr Leung said.
For a long term solution, the Buildings Department, in consultation with the licensing authorities, is reviewing the current system with a view to streamlining work practices and improving efficiency.
"Our primary concern is to protect building safety. We will not compromise this principle just for the sake of speeding up the vetting process time, but we will try our best to maintain the required safety standards while maximising our efficiency," Mr Leung added.
End
Placement service for redundant teachers
The Education Department's Placement Service to help redundant teachers in aided primary schools obtain new teaching posts has been re-activated this Month.
People's moving from urban areas to new towns and the decline of primary school-age population in individual areas are the major reasons leading to the reduction in the number of operating classes in schools.
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