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The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (September 12) appealed to the public to keep places clean and tidy and not to burn wax or fly sky lanterns when celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
A spokesman for the LCSD said patrols would be stepped up at the department's venues including parks, public beaches and barbecue sites between September 19 and 20. About 1 000 staff would be deployed to take enforcement action against littering, wax burning and flying sky lanterns on these two nights.
According to the Pleasure Grounds Regulation, no person shall, in any pleasure ground, melt or burn any wax, or sprinkle or pour any liquid onto any hot wax, or fly kites, model aircraft, balloons, sky lanterns or other devices. According to the Bathing Beaches Regulation, no person shall, on any bathing beach, do any act which is likely to endanger or obstruct any other person using the beach, or damage, deface or pollute the beach or anything situated thereon. Any person who is convicted is liable to a maximum fine of $2,000 and 14 days' imprisonment.
The spokesman stressed that littering offenders would be issued with a fixed penalty notice with a fine of $1,500, while those who burn wax or fly sky lanterns might be prosecuted.
"To provide a better environment for the members of the public to enjoy the festive occasion, we appeal them not to burn wax. They should not sprinkle or pour liquids onto hot wax. Metal cans or non-flammable containers should be used to collect melted wax for easy disposal into litter bins after the containers cool down," the spokesman said.
"Moreover, members of the public should not fly sky lanterns as it might cause injuries or damage to property."
The spokesman urged people to report wax burning or sky lantern cases, or other irregularities at LCSD venues by calling the department's hotline 2414 5555 from 7pm to midnight on September 19 and 20. LCSD staff will be deployed to the scene promptly to take appropriate action.
Ends/Thursday, September 12, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:01
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