The Government cannot treat the 17 people the majority of whom are relatives, friends or assistants of the operators in the Yen Chow Street Temporary Hawker Bazaar, in the same way as other 33 registered unlicensed operators there, so as to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality when processing the relocation of the bazaar.
The Food & Health Bureau was responding to a protest staged by unlicensed operators of the temporary hawker bazaar today, saying that the relocation will not affect the current employment and working relationship of these 17 people who can continue to work as the assistants of their relatives or concerned vendors after the relocation.
They can choose to participate in the open bidding exercise for a tenancy agreement of other fabric stalls at Tung Chau Market if they want to start their business, it added.
The Government also regards the rental value of stalls of the temporary market reasonable, noting that it is set at a level lower than the bidding prices or current rental value of the stalls running similar businesses in the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department markets in Kowloon or the New Territories.
Regarding unreasonable criticisms and allegations made by some people on the issue, Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man expressed regret and he reiterated the Government’s firm position in handling each and every case in accordance with the law, adding that it would not compromise any right judgment due to pressure.
