Page 275 of 654
054
Page 275 of 654
274
# HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
these unlicensed centres, the staff working there and the consumers patronizing them would not be compensated because these unlicensed venues, like unlicensed theatres, are not insured by any insurance company. At the same time, a lot of parents take their kids to these venues for playing. The whole family is there and the place is crammed with people. If any accident happened, the risk would be great because the venues are limited in space for the crowds of people. This is something that deserves our attention.
What's more is that these centres are mostly operated by syndicates which in order to publicize their new branches, usually offer games of a gambling nature to attract children and as promotion before they are issued with a licence by the Department. Although prosecutions may be instituted by the Department under Section 4 of the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (Cap 172, Laws of Hong Kong) and upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum fine of $25,000, a daily maximum fine of $2,000 and imprisonment for six months, the unlicensed operators very often defy the law because of the exorbitant profit. I have moved this motion in the hope that should it be carried, the licensing departments will strengthen liaison and communication with each other, minimize the time wasted on unnecessary complicated procedures, and lay down explicit service standards for the issue of licences, so that applicants have an idea of the lead time required for entering into the business, unless they fail to satisfy the full licensing requirements. Hence it is essential that there are explicit service standards for the issue of licences.
Secondly, I earnestly hope that after the motion is carried, the Council and the Department will, in line with the practice concerning temporary licences for food premises and theatres, issue a licence for place of public entertainment to applicants who have already met the basic requirements of main government departments such as the Fire Services and Buildings Departments, so that they may complete the formalities within the stipulated time limit to protect the safety and rights of consumers and staff.
Thirdly, I hope that the Department will take vigorous prosecution action against operators who have not met the licensing requirements at all but continue to operate without a licence. It should even file to the court for an injunction or a closure order to stamp out unlicensed operations completely, including venues offering prize-winning and gambling games.
My speech aims at explaining clearly the nature of existing mechanical games venues and I hope I will get every Member's support. Thank you.
MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, I second the motion.
Vice-Chairman (in Cantonese): Earlier I received an amendment to the motion from a Member. There is also the seconder. And then I received an
Page 275
Page 276
Page 270
01 094
Page 275 of 654
054
Page 275 of 654
274
HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
these unlicensed centres, the staff working there and the consumers patronizing them would not be compensated because these unlicensed venues, like unlicensed theatres, are not insured by any insurance company. At the same time, a lot of parents take their kids to these venues for playing. The whole family is there and the place is crammed with people. If any accident happened, the risk would be great because the venues are 100 limited in space for the crowds of people. This is something that deserves our attention.
What's more is that these centres are mostly operated by syndicates which in order to publicize their new branches, usually offer games of a gambling nature to attract children and as promotion before they are issued with a licence by the Department. Although prosecutions may be instituted by the Department under Section 4 of the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (Cap 172, Laws of Hong Kong) and upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum fine of $25,000, a daily maximum line of $2,000 and imprisonment for six months, the unlicensed operators very often defy the law because of the exorbitant rent. I have moved this motion in the hope that should it be carried, the licensing departments will strengthen liaison and communication with each other, minimize the time wasted on unnecessary complicated procedures, and lay down explicit service standards for the issue of licences, so that applicants have an idea of the lead time required for entering into the business, unless they fail to satisfy the full licensing requirements. Hence it is essential that there are explicit service standards for the issue of licences.
Secondly, I earnestly hope that after the motion is carried, the Council and the Department will, in line with the practice concerning temporary licences for food premises and theatres, issue a licence for place of public entertainment to applicants who have already met the basic requirements of main government departments such as the Fire Services and Buildings Departments. so that they may complete the formalities within the stipulated time limit to protect the safety and rights of consumers and staff.
Thirdly, I hope that the Department will take vigorous prosecution action against operators who have not met the licensing requirements at all but continue to operate without a licence. It should even file to the court for an injunction or a closure order to stamp out unlicensed operations completely. including venues offering prize-winning and gambling games.
My speech aims at explaining clearly the nature of existing mechanical games venues and I hope I will get every Member's support. Thank you.
MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman. I second the motion,
Vice-Chairman (in Cantonese):-Earlier I received an amendment to the motion from a Member. There is also the seconder. And then I received an
Page 275Page 276
Page 270 01 094
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.