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the stock market. One can transfer an establishment to another operator quietly or become the assistant of the new operator. There are different ways to offer a bar at a premium. When that happens, speculation of liquor licenses cannot be rooted out.
As there are many ambiguous points in the topic and it brings inconvenience to residents as well as causes speculation, it would be unfair to restaurants and food establishments. I regret that we cannot support Mr. KAM's motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman,
MR. KWOK BIT-CHUN (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, as the mover of the motion said, the motion covers two parts. The first part is about the restriction on the number of licenses in residential areas. The second part is to step up control of liquor selling establishments in residential areas. I personally believe the motive of the motion is good, but that it has neglected the consequences of the measure.
On the first point raised by Mr. Christopher CHUNG Shu-kun, the mover thinks there is no need for worries. But I have worries. When we restrict the number of liquor licenses to be issued, the situation similar to speculation on taxi licenses is bound to occur. I do not think I need to analyze and discuss this, because it is obvious. The speculation on taxi licenses is just an example for reference. Even if we put in additional criteria to restrict transfers, we will be just turning a deaf ear to things and cheating ourselves. To counter a plan of ours, others will think of more skillful ones. If we pass an imperfect policy, the flexibility of the Liquor Licensing Board will be compromised. For applicants, such a policy will mean they don't have to think of ways to get around it.
As for the second point on consequences and worries, at present, liquor licenses are not classified and those held by restaurants, food establishments and entertainment places are the same. It will be difficult to decide on the number to be issued if their types are not classified. What kinds of food establishments in residential areas will be issued with liquor licenses? Even noodle and congee shops or Chiuchow restaurants require such licenses. When a family go to a restaurant for a meal, some members may wish to have a beer (not liquor). If we restrict the number of liquor licenses in residential areas, inconvenience will inevitably be caused. We do not want to see a resident of one of our public estates having to travel to Tsim Sha Tsui before he is permitted to have a beer. In fact, restriction on the number of licenses to be issued in residential areas indirectly affects the number of food establishments operating in the areas. I am sure you all realize that the competitive powers of a food establishment offering beer and one that does not are miles apart. This is not difficult to understand.
Mr. Chairman, the Liquor Licensing Board has always functioned as an authority making judgment in accordance with individual circumstances.
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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
89
the stock market. One can transfer an establishment to another operator quietly or become the assistant of the new operator. There are different ways to offer a bar at a premium. When that happens, speculation of liquor licenses cannot be rooted out.
As there are many ambiguous points in the topic and it brings inconvenience to residents as well as causes speculation, it would be unfair to restaurants and food establishments. I regret that we cannot support Mr. KAM's motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman,
MR. KWOK BIT-CHUN (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, as the mover of the motion said, the motion covers two parts. The first part is about the restriction on the number of licenses in residential areas. The second part is to step up control of liquor selling establishments in residential areas. I personally believe the motive of the motion is good, but that it has neglected the consequences of the measure.
On the first point raised by Mr. Christopher CHUNG Shu-kun, the mover thinks there is no need for worries. But I have worries. When we restrict the number of liquor licenses to be issued, the situation similar to speculation on taxi licenses is bound to occur. I do not think I need to analyze and discuss this, because it is obvious. The speculation on taxi licenses is just an example for reference. Even if we put in additional criteria to restrict transfers, we will be just turning a deaf ear to things and cheating ourselves. To counter a plan of ours, others will think of more skillful ones. If we pass an imperfect policy, the flexibility of the Liquor Licensing Board will be compromised. For applicants, such a policy will mean they don't have to think of ways to get around it.
As for the second point on consequences and worries, at present, liquor licenses are not classified and those held by restaurants, food establishments and entertainment places are the same. It will be difficult to decide on the number to be issued if their types are not classified. What kinds of food establishments in residential areas will be issued with liquor licenses? Even noodle and congee shops or Chiuchow restaurants require such licenses. When a family go to a restaurant for a meal, some members may wish to have a beer (not liquor). If we restrict the number of liquor licenses in residential areas, inconvenience will inevitably be caused. We do not want to see a resident of one of our public estates having to travel to Tsim Sha Tsui before he is permitted to have a beer. In fact, restriction on the number of licenses to be issued in residential areas indirectly affects the number of food establishments. operating in the areas. I am sure you all realize that the competitive powers of an food establishment offering beer and one that does not are miles apart. This is not difficult to understand.
Mr. Chairman, the Liquor Licensing Board has always functioned as an authority making judgment in accordance with individual circumstances.
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