************************************************************
The Home Affairs Department (HAD) today (March 14) launched a public consultation exercise on the enhanced measures against shop front extensions (SFEs). The consultation period will last for four months from March 14 until July 14.
Speaking at today's press briefing, the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Raymond Young, said currently the Government tackles the problem of SFEs using a four-pronged approach, namely:
(a) law enforcement by individual departments using powers under the relevant Ordinances;
(b) joint operations led by District Officers for more complex cases involving several departments;
(c) collaboration with the District Councils (DCs); and
(d) public education and publicity.
Mr Young pointed out that despite the efforts made, the problem of SFEs persists. The proliferation of SFEs continues to compromise the safety and access of pedestrians, drivers and other street users. The Government considers that efforts should be stepped up to tackle problems associated with SFEs.
The problem of SFEs has been thoroughly discussed at the Steering Committee on District Administration, which provides a platform for relevant departments, including law enforcement departments, to make concerted efforts to address the problem.
The HAD, in consultation with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), the Lands Department (LandsD) and the Buildings Department (BD), has prepared a consultation document on the enhanced measures against SFEs in order to consult the public on how the Government can tackle problems associated with SFEs more effectively.
In reference to the enhanced measures proposed Mr Young said, with regards to enforcement, that the Government is looking for an additional legal tool to tackle SFEs more efficiently and effectively. This would help to address the deficiency of the existing summons system, namely the long lead time for prosecution and light penalties. With this in mind, the Government is now exploring the possibility of introducing a fixed penalty system against SFEs. The proposed fixed penalty is an additional measure to tackle SFEs and will not replace the other existing enforcement tools such as issuance of summons. The Government will also step up enforcement and continue to improve the existing multi-disciplinary enforcement regime of departments that include the FEHD, HKPF, LandsD and BD.
The Government proposes to enhance community involvement by capitalising on DCs' knowledge of district characteristics and the needs and aspiration of people in their districts. Public education and publicity efforts should be stepped up as well, in order for the messages against SFEs to reach members of the public and shop operators more effectively.
The Government is open to how the subjects raised in the consultation document should be addressed and would like to listen to the views of members of the public before making a final proposal.
Mr Young added that during the consultation period, representatives of the HAD and relevant departments will attend meetings of all the 18 DCs or their committees and meet with relevant stakeholders.
Copies of the consultation documents and leaflets are available for collection at district offices of the HAD, FEHD and LandsD starting from March 14. The information has also been uploaded onto the websites of these three departments.
Members of the public are invited to forward their views on or before July 14 by mail to Division II, Home Affairs Department, 31/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wanchai; by facsimile to 3107 0697; or by email to sfe@had.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, March 14, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:03
NNNN
