The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department on Thursday said streamlined applications for alfresco dining will allow businesses to get approval much sooner without the need to go back and forth between various departments.

Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Assistant Director (Operations) Wan Chi-shun said the new arrangement is expected to allow applicants to obtain an approval in principle within a month, compared to the previous median processing time of one year.

He explained this is because the arrangement adopts a joint-vetting system, meaning all departments involved have to review the applications within 21 days simultaneously, as well as amendments in the form that ensure departments will have necessary information.

“In the past, the application form did not request such detailed information. Upon receiving the form, respective departments had to contact applicants based on their respective needs, and ask them to submit more information, and then review it," he said.

"As every department had to go back and forth, it was very time consuming."

Wan also attributed the shorter processing time to the ease in requirements.

For instance, eligible eateries will not need to increase their kitchen areas and washroom facilities, and they are considered to have met the traffic requirements if the walkways are at least three metres wide after setting up the outside seating accommodation.

After getting the preliminary green light, he said applicants will be granted formal approval once they comply with the licensing requirements.

Some cases could be referred to senior officials, including permanent secretaries, or even the deputy chief secretary if departments do not reach a consensus in the decision-making process.

There were about 10 such cases in a one-year period in the past, Wan added.


Edited by Tony Sabine