The air-conditioning system of Fulum Palace in North Point generated excessive noise persistently and affected nearby residents. Its operating company was convicted again and fined $15,000 by Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (July 30) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO).
An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said that the air-conditioning system of Fulum Palace at King's Road in North Point generated excessive noise. The restaurant was convicted for the first time in February this year. Fulum Palace then installed noise abatement devices for its air-conditioning system, but its noise level at night still exceeded the statutory limit, and the restaurant was thus prosecuted again. A timer switch for the air-conditioning system was installed by the restaurant this May to make sure that the system will be switched off before 11pm to avoid disturbing nearby residents.
The spokesman reminded all restaurant operators that they should hire the services of qualified professionals for the installation of air-conditioning systems. Proper vibration isolation and noise abatement devices should also be in place to avoid generating excessive noise and causing nuisance to nearby residents.
According to the NCO, anyone who violates the requirements of a noise abatement notice commits an offence. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. A maximum fine of $200,000 may be imposed on second or subsequent conviction. Relevant company directors may also be prosecuted.
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