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The FEHD is the authority responsible for licensing food businesses
and issuing permits for the sale of restricted foods including frozen
confections, sushi and sashimi. It also issues licences to places of public
entertainment such as theatres, cinemas and entertainment machine centres.
In addition, it issues trade licences for commercial bathhouses and offensive
trades as well as for private swimming pools. The FEHD also provides support
to the Liquor Licensing Board, which is an independent statutory body
constituted for the purpose of issuing liquor licences. Board members
are appointed by the Chief Executive. The board meets about four times
a month to consider applications.
During the year, the department received and processed
2 437 applications for food business licences, 864 for restricted
food permits, 890 for places of public entertainment licences, 60 for
other trade licences and 711 for liquor and club liquor licences.
Alfresco dining has been gaining in popularity in
recent years. Since 2002, the FEHD has streamlined application procedures
to provide a 'one-stop-shop' service to applicants. During the year, the
department approved 47 applications.
From January, the department took up the responsibility
for issuing karaoke establishment permits for karaoke establishments that
are situated in premises that have a restaurant licence.
The FEHD also develops and puts forward new initiatives
in consultation with the Legislative Council and the trade to further
improve hygiene in food premises, and thereby enhance food safety. In
February, the Public Health and Municipal Services (Amendment) Ordinance
2002 came into effect to speed up the closure of food premises that pose
immediate health hazards or are being operated without licences. A total
of six food premises were closed under these new provisions. Moreover,
with effect from November, the department put in place a new streamlined
sanction system for issuing warning letters in cases where licensing conditions
are breached. The FEHD is also formulating a loan scheme to provide financial
assistance to operators of food premises so that they can improve kitchens,
toilets and other facilities. |
