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The Fire Services Department (FSD), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Home Affairs Department (HAD) and Buildings Department (BD) have completed their joint inspection of all karaoke establishments in old composite buildings.
A Government spokesman said today (September 19), "Since the start of the inter-departmental operation on August 18, the Departments involved have inspected a total of 81 karaoke establishments located in 64 composite buildings built in or before 1987 and issued a total of 105 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices. FEHD is actively following up on the cases of licensed food premises suspected to have operated karaoke activities without the required permit or exemption. Summons have already been laid against four such premises."
The spokesman said, "The joint inspection operation, which was smooth, shows that the Government is determined to take action against operators who contravene the relevant regulations."
To further ensure the fire safety of karaoke establishments, the authorities have decided to continue with the inspection of the remaining karaoke establishments in the territory. Such inspection is already underway.
The spokesman said, "The multi-department inspection teams will complete the inspection of karaoke establishments located in composite buildings built after 1987 and those in commercial buildings within a month."
The spokesman added that the departments involved will hold regular inter-department meetings in the future, with a view to strengthening the referral mechanism amongst them and facilitating the exchange of views on violations discovered in routine inspection. In addition, the departments will conduct similar joint operations annually and make surprise checks on the fire safety installations and compliance of targeted buildings or premises.
Apart from the joint operation mentioned above, the departments involved will continue to monitor and follow up on the fire safety of karaoke establishments and other types of licensed premises through their routine inspections. FSD will also team up with other departments from time to time to make surprise inspection of the fire safety of licensed premises.
The spokesman reiterated that building fire safety depends not only on the inspection and enforcement by Government departments, but more importantly the public's cooperation and support.
FSD and HAD will step up publicity on fire prevention, encouraging the public to raise their awareness and develop good habits on fire safety, and to always keep the buildings' fire safety installations and facilities properly maintained.
The spokesman said, "If the public come across any violations against fire safety, they should report such incidents to the authorities immediately. The number of FSD's 24-hour hotline is 2723 8787."
Ends/Friday, September 19, 2008
Issued at HKT 22:09
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