The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (September 28) appealed to the public to keep places clean and tidy, observe regulations on the prohibition of group gatherings at its venues, and to not burn wax or fly sky lanterns when celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
 
     In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the LCSD appealed to members of the public to observe regulations on the prohibition of group gatherings at the department's venues during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday in order to reduce the chances of spreading the virus in the community. Members of the public should not enter closed leisure facilities such as public beaches and barbecue sites.
 
     The LCSD will step up patrols at relevant venues and will call upon venue users to comply with the regulations on the prohibition of group gatherings of more than the number of people as stipulated by the law, and observe the mask-wearing requirement in public places. Enforcement actions will be taken against any violation of the relevant regulations.
 
     The spokesman for the LCSD reminded the public that according to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G), the number of persons currently allowed in group gatherings in public places is four. In addition, pursuant to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I), a person must wear a mask at all times when the person is entering or present in a public place.
 
     "To provide a better environment for members of the public to enjoy the festive occasion, we appeal to them not to burn or melt 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 throw glow sticks or other objects onto trees, as doing so may cause damage to the trees and affect the cleanliness of venues. Furthermore, they should not fly sky lanterns as it might cause injuries or damage to property."
 
     The spokesman said that patrols will be stepped up at the department's venues on October 1 and 2. Staff will be deployed to appeal to venue users to comply with regulations on the prohibition of group gatherings, and wearing of masks. Enforcement actions against any irregularities, littering, wax burning, throwing objects onto trees and flying sky lanterns will be taken.
 
     Members of the public may call the LCSD's hotline on 2414 5555 to report any wax burning or flying sky lantern cases, or other irregularities found at LCSD venues.
 
     According to the Pleasure Grounds Regulation, no person shall, in any pleasure ground, melt or burn any wax; sprinkle or pour any liquid onto any hot wax; damage any part of any tree, shrub or plant; or fly kites, model aircraft, balloons or other devices (including sky lanterns). Any person who is convicted is liable to a maximum fine of $2,000 and 14 days' imprisonment.
 
      Littering offenders will be issued with a fixed penalty notice with a fine of $1,500, while those who burn wax, throw objects onto trees or fly sky lanterns may be prosecuted.

Ends/Monday, September 28, 2020
Issued at HKT 11:00

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