The Police Licensing Office (PLO) and the Municipal Services Appeals Board (MSAB) jointly organised a night visit on August 24. This provided an opportunity for MSAB members and representatives of other government departments to observe the operation of liquor-licensed premises in Wanchai District (WCHDIST) and the challenges faced by frontline officers during licence checks.

Joining the visit were MSAB Chairman Mr Wong Man-kit and Vice-Chairmen as well as representatives of the Food and Health Bureau, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Fire Services Department, the Buildings Department and the Environmental Protection Department.

The guests were first briefed by representatives of the government departments on the handling of liquor licence applications and their enforcement action. This was followed by licence checks to different types of liquor-licensed premises, including upstairs bars. The guests also exchanged views with officers from the PLO and WCHDIST on various issues relating to the processing of applications and enforcement work.

All the guests said that the visit has increased their understanding of the operation of the trade and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. This would facilitate their processing of appeals on liquor licences. They also praised the Police for the professionalism displayed in the inspection of liquor-licensed premises.