Author Archives: hksar gov

Non-registered contractor convicted for illegal removal of asbestos roofs

     A non-registered contractor, L Vogue Design Limited, illegally removed asbestos roofs from the podium of a residential building at 107 Kau Pui Lung Road in To Kwa Wan. It was fined $6,000 today (August 9) at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts for contravening the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO).
 
     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that in January this year, a complaint was received about the illegal removal of asbestos roofs during the demolition of a building structure at a residential building at Kau Pui Lung Road in To Kwa Wan. After investigation, the EPD confirmed that the asbestos abatement works were not carried out in accordance with the statutory requirements, as no registered asbestos contractor was hired to conduct the removal works, and the EPD had not been notified prior to the commencement of the works. After evidence collection, the EPD initiated prosecution against the contractor under the APCO.

     The spokesman said that, to safeguard public health, asbestos abatement works at all buildings must be carried out by a registered asbestos contractor in accordance with the statutory requirements and the code of practice on asbestos control to prevent the release of asbestos fibres from affecting the workers and public health. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months’ imprisonment. Anyone failing to give not less than 28 days’ written notice to the EPD of the commencement date of the asbestos abatement work is also liable to a maximum fine of $200,000. read more

East Asia

Distributor convicted of failing to publish retail price when selling warranties of new vehicles

     A vehicle distributor was fined $730,000 yesterday (August 8) at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts for failing to publish retail prices when selling warranties of new motor vehicles, in contravention of the Motor Vehicles (First Registration Tax) Ordinance.

     The vehicle distributor was convicted for selling warranties of 17 new motor vehicles between December 2016 and January 2018 without publishing in writing the retail price as required under the Ordinance. The total value of the warranties was $1,470,000.

     Under the Ordinance, a registered distributor commits an offence when selling a motor vehicle without publishing in writing a retail price, including any optional accessories and warranties, of the vehicle. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for 12 months.

     Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the Ordinance to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk). read more

East Asia

FEHD orders restaurant in Sha Tin to suspend business for 14 days

     The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene has ordered a restaurant in Sha Tin to suspend business for 14 days as the operator repeatedly breached the Food Business Regulation (FBR) by extending the business area illegally.
     
     The restaurant, Thai Like Kitchen, located on the ground floor of 14 Ha Keng Hau Village, Sha Tin, was ordered to suspend business from today (August 9) to August 22.
     
     “In May this year, two convictions for the above-mentioned breach were recorded against the operator of the restaurant. A total fine of $18,000 was levied by the court and 30 demerit points were registered against the licensee under the department’s demerit points system. The contraventions resulted in the 14-day business suspension,” a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said.
     
     The licensee of the restaurant had a record of two convictions for the same offence in July and August last year. A total fine of $8,000 was levied and 30 demerit points were registered. The breaches led to business suspension for seven days in November last year.
     
     The spokesman reminded licensees of food premises to comply with the FBR, or their licences could be suspended or cancelled.
     
     Licensed food premises are required to exhibit a sign, at a conspicuous place near the main entrance, indicating that the premises have been licensed. A list of licensed food premises is available on the FEHD’s website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/index.html). read more

East Asia