TNAG-2177-FCO40-3114-Hong-Kong-Bill-of-Rights-1990 — Page 4

the Urban Council and the Regional Council in determine how best this objective can be met. be introduced to encourage organisers of public meetings to

DPAS instead of other public places. Consideration will also be given to waiving or reducing the notification requirements in respect of meetings held in a It is noted that the two Councils may have valid reasons for turning down applications duly notified, e.g. because the has already been booked or has been closed for

DPA.

venue

maintenance etc.

Processions

13

At present, a public procession of more than 20 persons on a public highway or in a public park may take place only if licensed by the Commissioner of Police.

The Commissioner may issue a licence if he is satisfied that the public procession is not likely to prejudice the maintenance of public order, or to be used for any unlawful purpose.

14

Given Hong Kong's congested traffic conditions, and the need to avoid disrupting the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, we consider it necessary to retain control over the size, conduct, frequency and route of processions. However, we acknowledge that the current licensing regulations for processions have proved somewhat cumbersome and contentious to administer and operate. Accordingly, as with meetings, we propose that a notification system for processions, described in paragraphs 15 and

16 below, should introduced.

as

be

We further propose that there be no requirement to notify the Police of processions of less than 30 persons, compared with 20 at present.

Notification and Prohibition of Meetings and Processions

as

15

We propose that new simplified procedures for meetings and processions be introduced. In both cases, we recommend that the deadline for notifying the Police should be the same day of the week in the preceding week as the day of the event itself. (3) Notification of processions should be accompanied by information on the proposed route to facilitate processing.

(3)

If the deadline falls on a general holiday (Sunday or a public holiday) the actual deadline shall be the first day immediately preceding that day which is not a general holiday.