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The following is issued on behalf of the Provisional Regional Council:

To call for support in improving the hygiene condition of toilets open to the public, the Regional Services Department (RSD) has recently issued advisory letters to managements of licensed restaurants and shopping malls in the Provisional Regional Council (Pro RC) area.

An RSD spokesman said today (Wednesday) that the move was expected to be able to improve the environmental hygiene of Hong Kong and to help the territory maintain a good reputation and image in the hygiene aspect.

"Through the issue of advisory letters, managements of licensed restaurants and shopping malls are asked to play their role in keeping their toilets clean and dry, providing electric hand-dryers or clean towels or paper for hand drying, toilet paper and soap for toilet users, and maintaining toilet facilities in good condition," he said.

He reminded managements of licensed restaurants that they must comply with all licensing conditions including the provision of a clean and well-equipped toilet.

"Any licensees who breach any of the licensing conditions are liable to the suspension or cancellation of their licences," he said.

"In addition, under the Food Business (Regional Council) Bylaws, they are also required to keep their premises including toilet facilities clean. Failure to do so may lead to a maximum fine of $10 000 and imprisonment for three months."

"As for managements of shopping malls, those who fail to keep their sanitary conveniences clean, causing a nuisance, can be dealt with in accordance with the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance and are liable to a maximum fine of $25 000," the spokesman added.

He stressed that RSD health inspectors would take stringent enforcement actions against unsatisfactory toilets in licensed restaurants during routine inspections, and they would also pay frequent visits to toilets of shopping malls to take appropriate actions as necessary.

In respect of public toilets managed by the Pro RC, an improvement scheme was launched in 1995. Covering all 732 public toilets - both flushed toilets and village-type dry toilets - in the Pro RC area, improvement works included refurbishment of internal and external finishes and fittings, upgrading of ancillary facilities as well as beautification of surroundings.

"The project which costs about $500 million is expected to be completed by mid-2000," the spokesman said.

"To enhance service quality, the Pro RC will extend the provision of toilet attendants service to another 69 public toilets in August this year, bringing the total number of public toilets with such service to 102," he added.

End/Wednesday, May 20, 1998

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