HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
In the case of Turtle Cove and Chung Hom Kok it is the natural beauty of the surroundings which is the main attraction, and the feeling has been that to introduce a commercially-run tent service would spoil the amenities. There is the further point that many beach users could not afford to hire a tent even if these were provided.
MR. LI YIU-BOR asked the following question :-
I have been given to understand that some licensed restaurants are operating unlicensed premises for the purpose of serving food to their patrons. Although owners of these restaurants always claim that the premises are being used as offices or reception rooms, their intent to flout the Public Health Ordinance can deceive no one.
Will the Chairman inform this Council-
(a) the approximate number of unlicensed restaurants in the Urban area, and
(b) what steps are being taken to stop this illegal practice?
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
The answer to the first part of the question is that I cannot say how many unlicensed restaurants there are in the urban area. I can, however, say that in the first six months of this year 108 prosecutions were taken out against the proprietors of unlicensed restaurants. This compares with 109 cases heard during the whole of 1962. Among these 108 prosecutions, 10 cases were in respect of licensed restaurants extending their operations to unlicensed parts of the premises.
The answer to the second part of the question is that licensed restaurants are kept under observation, and surprise visits are made during the day and at night. Prosecutions are undertaken whenever it is discovered that a proprietor is conducting business in an unlicensed part of his premises. If the offence is repeated the proprietor of the restaurant renders himself liable to suspension or cancellation of his licence, in accordance with the policy laid down by this Council.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:
Since the Urban Council has no powers to close the Lai Chi Kok Beach, will the Chairman please state what representations have been made to Government either to close the beach or to further discourage its use by the public, in view of the health danger to the public?
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-
This Council has itself taken steps to discourage people from swimming at Lai Chi Kok Beach by issuing repeated warnings through the press and by posting up warning notices on the beach. These, coupled with the visibly dirty state of the water, have resulted in a marked decrease in the number of bathers, and on Sunday, 25th August, which was extremely hot and sunny, the number of people swimming at any one time did not exceed 100, and the average over a 12 hour period was less than 60.
No representations have been made to Government that the beach should be closed. Apart from those who swim, there are those who simply sit on the beach to be considered.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Mr. Chairman, there are a number of swimming sheds at Lai Chi Kok Beach which, I believe, are on annual permit. Has this Council or the Department discussed with the Public Works Department, or whichever department is concerned, the renewal or non-renewal of permits for these swimming sheds?
CHAIRMAN: ---Not to my knowledge, Sir, but there are many things which occur in the Department which I do not know about. I should like to look into your question.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-I think it is rather important, Mr. Chairman, because we in this Council are doing everything we can to discourage people from swimming at that beach, whereas there are several large swimming sheds which are continually being used. To many people it seems to be a case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing.
MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:-
As this Council is interested in the provision of library facilities, both for children and adults, will the Chairman please inquire from Government :
(a) When will copies of the report and recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Library Services be made available to Council Members?
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Page 89 of 194
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
In the case of Turtle Cove and Chung Hom Kok it is the natural beauty of the surroundings which is the main attraction, and the feeling has been that to introduce a commercially-run tent service would spoil the amenities. There is the further point that many beach users could not afford to hire a tent even if these were provided.
MR. LI YIU-BOR asked the following question :-
I have been given to understand that some licensed restaurants are operating unlicensed premises for the purpose of serving food to their patrons. Although owners of these restaurants always claim that the premises are being used as offices or reception rooms, their intent to flout the Public Health Ordinance can deceive no one.
Will the Chairman inform this Council-
(a) the approximate number of unlicensed restaurants in
the Urban area, and
(b) what steps are being taken to stop this illegal practice?
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
The answer to the first part of the question is that I cannot say how many unlicensed restaurants there are in the urban area. I can, however, say that in the first six months of this year 108 prosecutions were taken out against the proprietors of unlicensed restaurants. This compares with 109 cases heard during the whole of 1962. Among these 108 prosecutions, 10 cases were in respect of licensed restaurants extending their operations to un- licensed parts of the premises.
The answer to the second part of the question is that licensed restaurants are kept under observation, and surprise visits are made during the day and at night. Prosecutions are undertaken whenever it is discovered that a proprietor is conducting business in an unlicensed part of his premises. If the offence is repeated the proprietor of the restaurant renders himself liable to suspension or cancellation of his licence, in accordance with the policy laid down by this Council.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
161
MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:
Since the Urban Council has no powers to close the Lai Chi Kok Beach, will the Chairman please state what repre- sentations have been made to Government either to close the beach or to further discourage its use by the public, in view of the health danger to the public?
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-
-
This Council has itself taken steps to discourage people from swimming at Lai Chi Kok Beach by issuing repeated warnings through the press and by posting up warning notices on the beach. These, coupled with the visibly dirty state of the water, have resulted in a marked decrease in the number of bathers, and on Sunday, 25th August, which was extremely hot and sunny, the number of people swimming at any one time did not exceed 100, and the average over a 12 hour period was less than 60.
No representations have been made to Government that the beach should be closed. Apart from those who swim, there are those who simply sit on the beach to be con- sidered.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Mr. Chairman, there are a number of swimming sheds at Lai Chi Kok Beach which, I believe, are on annual permit. Has this Council or the Department discussed with the Public Works Department, or whichever department is concerned, the renewal or non-renewal of permits for these swimming sheds?
CHAIRMAN: ---Not to my knowledge, Sir, but there are many things which occur in the Department which I do not know about. I should like to look into your question.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-I think it is rather important, Mr. Chairman, because we in this Council are doing everything we can to discourage people from swimming at that beach, whereas there are several large swimming sheds which are continually being used. To many people it seems to be a case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing.
MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:-
As this Council is interested in the provision of library facilities, both for children and adults, will the Chairman please inquire from Government :
(a) When will copies of the report and recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Library Services be made available to Council Members?
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