Vegetable stall in Tai Po operated by Bonnie Vegetables and Fruit Wholesale Limited convicted for causing noise nuisance
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An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said that from early this year, the department received many complaints from members of the public about a vegetable stall at Kwong Fuk Road in Tai Po persistently playing promotional recordings during operating hours to sell goods by using loudspeakers, which adversely affected nearby residents. The EPD conducted enforcement operations against the vegetable stall concerned on February 3 and February 8 this year. Upon on-site assessment by EPD staff, it was confirmed that the noise caused annoyance and the department subsequently prosecuted the vegetable stall under the NCO.
After a series of enforcement actions, the noise level of the above vegetable stall has improved. The EPD will continue to closely monitor the situation. Criminal prosecution against the director of the operating company may be considered if repeated contravention by the stall is detected.
The spokesman reminded persons responsible for retail shops and market stalls that when they play promotional recordings to sell goods, they should contain the noise level within their shop area and should not cause annoyance to other people outside their shops or nearby residents. Otherwise, it constitutes an offence, and offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $10,000. For stores with repeated contraventions, the operator himself will also be criminally liable for the offence once convicted.
Ends/Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:07
Issued at HKT 19:07
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