'Quality Upstairs Bar' Campaign
underway in Tsim Sha Tsui
There are 150 "upstairs bars" in Tsim Sha Tsui and Yau Tsim District is concerned about the problems they might pose in terms of public safety and law and order. To address the concern, longer-term and sustainable management of these premises would rely on the co-operation and support of the owners and management staff. Hence, Tsim Sha Tsui Division (TSTDIV) has teamed up with Hong Kong Bar and Club Association (HKBCA) and Yau Tsim Mong District Fight Crime Committee (YTM DFCC) to formulate a half-year "Quality Upstairs Bar Campaign".
The campaign was formally kicked off on February 22 in Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station before a large gathering of guests, including representatives from HKBCA, YTM DFCC and upstairs bars. At this launching ceremony, YTDIST Commander Yu Tat-chung, HKBCA Chairman, Mr Choi Chun-yuk, YTM DFCC Chairman, Mr Chan Siu-tong, and over 90 upstairs bar representatives signed a non-legal-binding "Quality Upstairs Bar Charter" as a symbol of their joint efforts and determination to improve the quality of the upstairs bars in Tsim Sha Tsui.
A Tsim Sha Tsui District Councillor, Ms Kwan Sau-ling, was appointed "Quality Bar Ambassador" for promoting the campaign. And as part of sustained efforts, the following measures will be taken:
‧ Establishing an email communication platform between police and bar management to disseminate useful and significant information such as crime prevention advice or topical matters of interest;
‧ Organising a series of regular seminars for bar management and staff on licensing conditions, environmental hygiene, fire safety and crime prevention, with representatives from other government departments as guest speakers;
‧ Establishing a direct hotline for enquiries on licensing, crime prevention and other related matters;
‧ Carrying out joint licence checks with other government departments and YTM DFCC to heighten overall awareness of safety and important issues related to upstairs bars; and
‧ Distributing advisory leaflets with the participation of representatives from HKBCA and YTM DFCC.
Many upstairs bar representatives have pledged to co-operate with the police and the bar industry to improve their public image.
Observing that police efforts alone would not solve all problems, TST Divisional Commander Paul Grove says joint efforts with upstairs bars, HKBCA and YTM DFCC would help achieve long-term and sustainable benefits in terms of public order, safety and enjoyment.
Officers spare no efforts
in promoting the "Quality Upstairs Bar" Campaign
The "Quality Upstairs Bar
Charter"