Three property owners fined over $31,000 in total for failing to comply with fire safety improvement directions
Three property owners were convicted and fined over $31,000 in total at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts on March 27 for failing to comply with fire safety improvement directions issued under the Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Ordinance (FS(CP)O) (Cap. 502).
The Buildings Department (BD) issued fire safety improvement directions under section 5(1A) of the FS(CP)O to the property owner of a premises in a 54-year-old specified commercial building at Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang, and the property owners of two premises in a 51-year-old specified commercial building at Eastern Street, Sai Ying Pun, requiring them to comply with certain fire safety construction requirements. These include reinstatement of the protected lobby to the escape staircase, removal of metal gates that open to the escape staircase, sealing up the door opening formed at the enclosure wall of the escape staircase, providing a fire door for separation of the lavatory and the protected lobby, and sealing up the window opening on the external wall.
Failing to comply with the statutory directions, the three owners were prosecuted by the BD and were convicted by the court and fined $10,910, $10,150 and $10,020 respectively.
"According to the FS(CP)O, failing to comply with a statutory direction issued under the ordinance without reasonable excuse is a serious offence. The BD may instigate prosecution proceedings against the owner of the specified commercial building under the ordinance", a spokesman for the BD said today (April 22).
Pursuant to section 5(7)(b) of the FS(CP)O, any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a statutory direction, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 4 ($25,000 at present) and to a further fine of $2,500 for each day of non-compliance. Upon conviction, an application may also be made to the court for a Fire Safety Improvement Compliance Order against the owner under section 6(1) of the FS(CP)O directing the owner to comply with the requirements of the direction.
HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) co-hosted the Hong Kong Night on April 30 (Udine time), which was organised by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, and the Hong Kong Film Development Council at the 27th Far East Film Festival (FEFF) in Udine, Italy from April 24 to May 2.
Speaking at the Hong Kong Night, the Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Miss Fiona Li remarked that, "For decades, Hong Kong has stood as a vibrant global film hub. From adrenaline-pumping action thrillers, gripping crime dramas and kung-fu epics, to laugh-out-loud comedies and deeply moving romances, our films reflect the artistic spirit, unmatched creativity, and distinctive character of our city. Our filmmakers have not only entertained but also influenced cinema around the world."
She concluded her speech by inviting audiences to visit Hong Kong in person to stroll through the iconic filming locations, dive into its vibrant stores and experience first-hand Hong Kong's dynamic energy and cinematic soul.
The FEFF is one of the largest film festivals in Europe, showcasing the latest productions from Asia and receiving significant national and international interest from the film industry, cultural sector and media. At this year's FEFF, international audiences in Italy are being treated to a special selection of films titled "Making Waves - Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema" ("Making Waves"), which showcased films from both the established and the new and emerging talents. The "Making Waves" featured ten new and reprospective films, including restored classics from Hong Kong during the festival.
HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
