Hong Kong’s John Lee defends national security clauses for restaurant licences

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department had made the decision to help fulfil its legal obligation to safeguard national security.

“When handling new licensing or the renewal of licences, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will do its work according to the law,” he said.

“The relevant clauses are also in the rental contracts for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s venues and the issuance of licences, which include Lunar New Year fair stalls and places of public entertainment.”

In a reply to the Post, the department said it was adding national security conditions to new licences and permits issued under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, including those being renewed.

“The main purpose of these conditions is to prevent and stop behaviour that is detrimental to national security,” the department said. “Law-abiding licence holders will not be affected.”