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The following is issued on behalf of the Liquor Licensing Board:
"The Sun in its front-page lead of September 24 reported that a lot of bars had been opened in Circle Tower, Causeway Bay, and the Police criticised the Liquor Licensing Board for being too lenient and ignoring the law and order issue of the community in granting liquor licences to upstairs bars. We consider it necessary to make a statement and clarification.
"The board is a statutory body established under the Dutiable Commodities (Liquor) Regulations for granting of liquor licences. For a contested application where objections are received from the Police, individual groups, local residents, district councillors and/or other government departments, an open hearing will be conducted by the board and all concerned parties will be invited to attend to present their views. The board will consider each and every application based on the facts of the case and evidence produced before making a decision. The applicants and the objectors will be informed in writing of the board's decision together with reasons after the hearing. Any person not satisfied with the board's decision may appeal to the Municipal Services Appeals Board under the Dutiable Commodities (Liquor) Regulations.
"The board has been very concerned about the sharp increase of upstairs liquor selling premises in commercial buildings in recent years and the impact of the cumulative effects on law and order, building safety and public interest as pointed out by the Police. At present, the board refers every application for new issue or renewal of liquor licence to the Police for comments on the law and order aspect. If the premises under application are located in any of the commercial buildings which the Police have expressed concern, the board will also seek the professional advice from the Fire Services Department and the Buildings Department on the fire safety and building structure aspects before deciding on whether or not to grant or renew a liquor licence.
"We will write to the Police to better understand the report in the Sun."
Ends/Friday, September 30, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:07
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