Shape up for fire safety, or ship out: crackdown on tenants in six industrial blocks starts today
The move by the Lands Department follows city-wide calls for checks on factory buildings in the aftermath of two fires, one of which is the deadly Ngau Tau Kok inferno
At least 20 businesses operating in industrial buildings against land lease terms remained open, despite a deadline yesterday for the breaches to be rectified in a government crackdown to enhance fire safety.
The Lands Department began taking enforcement action yesterday against units at 11 industrial buildings which are violating land lease conditions. Out of 73 cases, 19 have ceased operation while another 34 required further investigation.
Among the businesses which are still running is a war-gaming venue at Chung Hing Industrial Mansions in San Po Kong, one of 11 factory blocks targeted in the crackdown.
At least a dozen teenagers were inside the premises yesterday afternoon, but a staff member refused an interview request. Its reservation hotline remained functional, saying bookings were being accepted for September.
A wing chun martial arts school at a targeted tower in Kowloon Bay had its doors shut. But others were treading a fine line, such as a textile warehouse on the second floor which doubled as a retail outlet.
The owner, surnamed Wong, said he had not received any notice as owner or occupant of the unit, but said he was ready to stop advertising his warehouse as an outlet since the extra revenue it generated was very limited.
