TNAG-2177-FCO40-3114-Hong-Kong-Bill-of-Rights-1990 — Page 3

Section 7 of the Ordinance provides that the Commissioner of Police has to be notified of any public meeting of more than 30 persons, seven days (excluding Sundays and general holidays) in advance. Given the increased level of Police efficiency, mobility and communications since the 30-person threshold was set in 1980, we recommend that the number be increased to 50 persons.

Meetings inside Buildings

11

less.

Section 7 also exempts from the notification requirement, a meeting at which the number of persons attending is not in

excess of the capacity of the premises in which the meeting takes place, or not more than 200 persons, whichever is The 200-person threshold was set in 1980 having regard to the then capacity of existing community centres and related facilities, and the likely number of attendees at community orientated meetings.

Since the capacities of community centres

been increased, we recommend that the 200-threshold be raised to the specified capacity of premises, or 500 persons where the capacity is for any reasons not specified. (1)

have

Meetings in Public Places

12

the

То cater for larger public meetings, we propose that the system of Designated Public Areas (DPAS) be expanded to provide for network

a

of readily accessible public meeting the places throughout

territory. (2)

will be

Consultation

(1)

(a)

Community Centre

(b)

Estate Community Centre

(c)

Community Hall

The uniform standard for all new community centres

introduced

capacities -

in 1986

provides for the undernoted

200-450 persons 150-350 persons 70-200 persons

(d)

District Community Centre

(e)

Area Community Centre

500 persons 450 persons

(f)

Neighbourhood Community Centre

(2)

A DPA is an

350 persons

area which is considered to be clearly suitable for the holding of a public meeting; under section 11 the only special conditions the Commissioner of Police may presently impose refer to

time of

the meeting to prevent "double booking". At present there are three DPAS on Hong Kong Island, three in Kowloon and thirteen in the New Territories.

the

CONFIDENTIAL