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PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
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Regarding the area within a radius of 400 metres from the nuisance, we believe that 400 metres is a rather far distance. For instance, noise nuisance is usually measured in the vicinity of the premises concerned. 400 metres is already quite a far distance away. Mr. CHAN asked whether this 400 metres could be extended to 800 metres. We will consider it from the point of whether an 800 metres distance is necessary and whether the 400 metres distance is not far enough.
As flexibility is concerned, I have just mentioned that decisions are made having regard to the individual circumstances of each application and we will not impose any blanket restriction. It is hoped that Mr. Chan will understand.
MR. SUEN Kai-cheong (in Cantonese):—I wish to ask the LLB Chairman a question. With the development of our society, many residential areas have become sort of 'Lan Kwai Fong'. For instance, in Quarry Bay and Wanchai, there are the so-called Lan Kwai Fong areas. In view of such developments, the LLB Chairman Mr. Wong has just mentioned that there is a mechanism for the new issue of liquor licences. I would like to ask in the cases of renewal of licence, what bearing the complaints from the public or the Councillors will have on the approval or rejection of such applications? I was once a LLB member. To my understanding, the Police often raised objections on the grounds of public order. And the public also had different opinions over the applications for renewal of liquor licence. As far as this point is concerned, I do not see any comprehensive mechanism in place. I hope the LLB Chairman can tell us about the existing mechanism or the improvement measures to be taken in the future.
MR. ST. STEPHEN WONG Hon-ching (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, MR. SUEN, concerning the LLB's policy on renewal of liquor licence, the existing mechanism is that if members of the public or the nearby residents feel that the renewal of liquor licence or the liquor selling premises would cause nuisance to them, they may lodge complaints with the departments concerned according to the nature of the nuisance. For example, complaints concerning noise nuisance and noise caused by machines can be lodged with the Environmental Protection Department (EPD); complaints concerning noise or nuisance caused by the patrons can be lodged with the Police; complaints concerning rubbish or cleansing matters can be lodged with the Urban Services Department (USD), etc. After gathering all the information, the LLB would conduct a hearing in respect of the objections raised by the relevant departments and the public before making a decision on the renewal of liquor licence. All parties and departments concerned would be invited to attend the hearing to express their views. All the issues I have just mentioned would be handled in accordance with the legal principle and in a reasonable manner. If the complaints are merely based on unsubstantiated worries that certain noises would be created, certain kinds of people would hang around or nuisances might be caused, the LLB would have difficulty in dealing with such cases. For cases of renewal of liquor licence, should the residents find any problems, they
Page 596 of 606
Page 596 of 606
Page 596 of 606
Page 596 of 606
PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
579
Regarding the area within a radius of 400 metres from the nuisance, we believe that 400 metres is a rather far distance. For instance, noise nuisance is usually measured in the vicinity of the premises concerned. 400 metres is already quite a far distance away. Mr. CHAN asked whether this 400 metres could be extended to 800 metres. We will consider it from the point of whether a 800 metres distance is necessary and whether the 400 metres distance is not ffar enough.
As flexibility is concerned, I have just mentioned that decisions are made thaving regard to the individual circumstances of each application and we will mot impose any blanket restriction. It is hoped that Mr. Chan will understand.
MR. SUEN Kal-cheong (in Cantonese):—I wish to ask the LLB Chairman a question. With the development of our society, many residential areas have become sort of 'Lan Kwai Fong'. For instance, in Quarry Bay and Wanchai, there are the so-called Lan Kwai Fong areas. In view of such developments, the LLB Chairman Mr. Wong has just mentioned that there is a mechanism for the new issue of liquor licences. I would like to ask in the cases of renewal of licence, what bearing the complaints from the public or the Councillors will have on the approval or rejection of such applications? I was once a LLB member. To my understanding, the Police often raised objection on the grounds of public order. And the public also had different opinions over the applications for renewal of liquor licence. As far as this point is concerned, I do not see any comprehensive mechanism in place. I hope the LLB Chairman can tell us about the existing mechanism or the improvement measures to be taken in the future.
MR. SAN STEPHEN WONG HON-CHING (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, Mr. SUEN, concerning the LLB's policy on renewal of liquor licence, the existing mechanism is that if members of the public or the nearby residents feel that the renewal of liquor licence or the liquor selling premises would cause nuisance to them, they may lodge complaints with the departments concerned according to the nature of the nuisance. For example, complaints concerning noise nuisance and noise caused by machines can be lodged with the Environmental Protection Department (EPD); complaints concerning noise or nuisance caused by the patrons can be lodged with the Police; complaints concerning rubbish or cleansing matters can be lodged with the Urban Services Department (USD), etc. After gathering all the information, the LLB would conduct a hearing in respect of the objections raised by the relevant departments and the public before making a decision on the renewal of liquor licence. All parties and departments concerned would be invited to attend the hearing to express their views. All the issues I have just mentioned would be handled in accordance with the legal principle and in a reasonable manner. If the complaints are merely based on unsubstantiated worries that certain noises would be created, certain kind of people would hang around or nuisances might be caused, the LLB would have difficulty in dealing with such cases. For cases of renewal of liquor licence, should the residents find any problems, they
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Page 596 of 606
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