French restaurant in Kennedy Town convicted for emitting excessive cooking fumes
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During the investigation of a complaint against the restaurant in May last year, the EPD found that the restaurant had failed to install proper cooking fume control equipment and was emitting excessive cooking fumes. The EPD then issued a statutory notice under the APCO requiring the restaurant to install proper equipment to reduce its emissions by the deadline. After the specified date, it was found that the responsible person of the restaurant had failed to comply with this requirement and had continued to emit visible cooking fumes. The EPD subsequently prosecuted the restaurant and will continue to follow up on the case.
An EPD spokesman reminded members of the food business that they should properly design and install appropriate and effective air pollution control equipment in the kitchens of food premises. They should also arrange to clean, check and repair the equipment regularly to ensure its proper operation.
According to the APCO, restaurant operators should adopt effective remedial measures within a specified time limit upon receipt of a statutory notice. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. A maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions.
Guidelines on the control of oily fumes and cooking odours from restaurants and food business have been uploaded to the EPD's website for reference: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/guide_ref/pamphlet_oilfume.html
Ends/Monday, April 9, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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