The relocation of Yen Chow Street Temporary Hawker Bazaar has been handled fairly and impartially to ensure proper use of public resources and public interests.
The Food & Health Bureau issued the statement today in response to media enquiries on a protest the bazaar's unlicensed operators plan to stage tomorrow.
It said, in dealing with the unlicensed operators, discretion has been exercised, emphasising that they must be bona fide long-period independent operators at the bazaar.
To verify their status the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has conducted a number of on-site surveys and those who claimed they have been operating cloth trading in the bazaar independently for a long period were invited to provide proof.
The department studied and rigorously verified all the information collected before coming up with the current verification results.
It will continue to maintain close communication with the unlicensed operators and verify information submitted before the deadline by 17 operators as soon as possible.
Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man is aware of the relocation issue and the obstacles faced, and he will continue to oversee the matter.
Dr Ko said he will not influence the department’s staff in performing public duties in a fair manner according to established procedures, adding it is also inappropriate for him to meet those who have put forward unreasonable demands.
