Super Gourmet, a food premises located at Lei Tung Market in Ap Lei Chau, illegally installed furnaces and an exhaust system without obtaining prior approval from the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). The restaurant owner, Fancy Vantage International Limited, was convicted and fined $10,000 at Eastern Magistrates’ Courts today (November 12) for contravening the Air Pollution Control (Furnaces, Ovens and Chimneys) (Installation and Alteration) Regulations.
The EPD received a complaint from a member of the public this April against the nuisance caused by the cooking fumes emitted from the food premises at Lei Tung Market. Upon investigation, it was found that the total fuel consumption capacity of the cooking equipment installed at Super Gourmet exceeded the statutory limit. However, prior approval had not been given by the EPD for the installation works. In addition, the inappropriate positioning of the outlet of its exhaust system hindered the effective dispersion of emissions, thus affecting nearby residents. The EPD subsequently prosecuted the operating company under the Regulations.
The spokesman reminded members of the food business that if they intend to install or alter furnaces, ovens, chimneys or flues with total gaseous fuel consumption capacity exceeding the exemption limit of 1150 megajoules per hour, they have to submit an application to the EPD for the installation or alteration works in accordance with the regulations requirements, and such works can only be carried out after obtaining approval from the EPD. In addition, the exhaust system and other air pollution control systems of fuel-burning equipment should be properly designed to avoid causing air pollution or nuisance to the public.
According to the Air Pollution Control (Furnaces, Ovens and Chimneys) (Installation and Alteration) Regulations, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and a daily fine of $500 may be imposed for a continuing offence.
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