196754-1933-Minutes-No-2 — Page 2

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THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, MARCH 17,

PAPERS.

1933.

3. The following papers were laid on the table :-

Amendments of and Additions to the Dairies By-laws made by the Sanitary Board under section 16 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903, Ordinance No. 1 of 1903, dated 2nd February, 1933.

Rule made by the Governor in Council under section 16 of the Gunpowder and Fireworks Ordinance, 1901, Ordinance No. 14 of 1901, dated 8th February, 1933.

QUESTIONS.

4. The Hon. Mr. JOSÉ PEDRO BRAGA, pursuant to notice, asked the following

questions:-

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Is the Honourable the Inspector General of Police aware that cabarets and 'dancing academies so-called are being regarded as a growing social evil in the Colony and are a cause of very real anxiety and dissatisfac- tion among parents because of the dangers to which they expose young and inexperienced people?

2. Will the same Honourable Member kindly compile, for the information of this Council, a return showing, respectively, for Hong Kong and Kow- loon :

(a) the number of cabarets, or "dancing academies" so-called, now carrying on business with the knowledge and permission of the Police authorities;

(b) the premises within which the cabaret business is conducted; (c) between what hours they are permitted to remain open to the

public; and

(d) the periods for which these places of entertainment are allowed

to continue their business?

3. Are any regulations extant permitting of the licensing of cabarets in the Colony? If not, is it contemplated to regulate the business of cabarets by law?

4. If the reply to the preceding question is in the negative, will the Govern- ment consider the expediency of the early framing of regulations for licensing cabarets and similar establishments in Hong Kong?

5. Are cabarets in the Colony restricted as to number; if so, what is the

maximum number for Hong Kong and Kowloon, respectively?

6. Does the Inspector General of Police consider that such numbers have been attained, and if not will he limit the number and so discourage the opening of any more establishments devoted to commercialised dancing? The Hon. Mr. EDWARD DUDLEY CORSCADEN WOLFE, C.M.G., (Inspector General of

Police) replied as follows:-

1. The Inspector General of Police is aware that such institutions exist in the Colony and that the number is increasing. The luspector General of Police has reason to believe that certain sections of the community do not regard cabarets and dancing academies with approval, though he has received no representations on the subject.

2. (a) The number of cabarets or dancing academies carrying on business.

with the knowledge of the Police is

Hong Kong

Kowloon ...

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2.

(b) A list has been prepared and will be circulated to Honourable

Members.

(e) There is no restriction on the hours they are permitted to remain

open to the public.