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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
509
protection requirements including the provision of details of fire protection facilities, seating arrangements and the kind of fuel used.
In early days, hotpot shops used to have fixed stoves installed at tables. Today, portable LP gas stoves are popular. Many food premises supply such portable table top LP gas stoves for patrons. In accordance with clause 33 of the existing bylaws for food premises, those applying for food premises licenses are required to submit a plan to show the positions of stoves, and a written statement on the use of heating equipment and the kind of fuel used. The requirement obviously pinpoints facilities in the kitchen and they are still applicable to shops operating with fixed stoves for hotpots. Most food premises have now changed over to the use of portable stoves, but the particulars for licence applications have not included requirements in this regard. Present day hotpot shops are therefore not listed as of high fire hazards. They are just classified as food premises of low fire hazards.
Winter time is the peak season for hotpots. Many food premises change over to become hotpot shops in winter. Many patrons frequent them at weekends and holidays. As business is good, some large restaurants put in additional tables in the corridors and staircase landings. They make full use of every inch of space and provide service by means of portable stoves. As for small and medium size restaurants, quite a few serve hotpots before an automatic sprinkler system is installed. There are others which make use of plastic tubes to connect to common LP gas floor bottles in order to serve hotpots. Some even do business in the street by setting portable tables and placing gas bottles beside them.
In the first ten months of last year, the Fire Services Department prosecuted 37 cases of obstructing fire exits whereas the Urban Services Department prosecuted 446 cases of food premises setting up in public space for hotpot business. 42 premises had their licences suspended. As for the average amount of fine, those resulted from prosecutions by the Fire Services Department were higher ranging from $5,000 to $12,000. As for prosecutions by the Urban Services Department, the average amount of fine ranged only from $2,000 to $3,000. These sums represent the daily business turnover for several tables at one shop. They have little deterrent effect. Both Mr. Chan and myself feel that it is necessary for us to incorporate some fire prevention requirements in our Municipal Services Ordinance. For example:
1. We feel that it should be specified in UC Bylaws for food premises, the applicants for licenses must submit information on the kind of stoves for hotpots and their positions. In this way, the Department and other government departments can fully consider individual circumstances before deciding on the licensing conditions.
2. When reviewing specifications for food premises, the Fire Services Department should classify food premises serving hotpots with portable
Page 465 of 498
Page 465
Page 466
Page 465 of 498
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
509
protection requirements including the provision of details of fire protection facilities, scating arrangements and the kind of fuel used.
In early days, hotpot shops used to have fixed stoves installed at tables. Today, portable LP gas stoves are popular. Many food premises supply such portable table top LP gas stoves for patrons. In accordance with clause 33 of the existing bylaws for food premises, those applying for food premises licenses are required to submit a plan to show the positions of stoves, and a written statement on the use of heating equipment and the kind of fuel used. The requirement obviously pinpoints facilities in the kitchen and they are still applicable to shops operating with fixed stoves for hotpots. Most food premises have now changed over to the use of portable stoves, but the particulars for licence applications have not included requirements in this regard. Present day hotpot shops are therefore not listed as of high fire hazards. They are just classified as food premises of low fire hazards.
Winter time is the peak season for hotpots. Many food premises change over to become hotpot shops in winter. Many patrons frequent them at weekends and holidays. As business is good, some large restaurants put in additional tables in the corridors and staircase landings. They make full use of every inch of space and provide service by means of portable stoves. As for small and medium size restaurants, quite a few serve hotpots before an automatic sprinkler system is installed. There are others which make use of plastic tubes to connect to common LP gas floor bottles in order to serve hotpots. Some even do business in the street by setting portable tables and placing gas bottles beside them.
In the first ten months of last year, the Fire Services Department prosecuted 37 cases of obstructing fire exits whereas the Urban Services Department prosecuted 446 cases of food premises setting up in public space for hotpot business. 42 premises had their licences suspended. As for the average amount of fine, those resulted from prosecutions by the Fire Services Department were higher ranging from $5,000 to $12,000. As for prosecutions by the Urban Services Department, the average amount of fine ranged only from $2,000 to $3,000. These sums represent the daily business turnover for several tables at one shop. They have little deterrent effect. Both Mr. Chan and myself feel that it is necessary for us to incorporate some fire prevention requirements in our Municipal Services Ordinance. For example:
I. We feel that it should be specified in UC Bylaws for food premises, the applicants for licenses must submit information on the kind of stoves for hotpots and their positions. In this way, the Department and other government departments can fully consider individual circumstances before deciding on the licensing conditions.
2. When reviewing specifications for food premises, the Fire Services Department should classify food premises serving hotpots with portable
Page 465 of 498
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