Lawmakers urge review of guesthouse fire-safety laws

Lawmakers are urgently calling for a review of laws pertaining to guesthouses and fire safety after the recent tragic incident at New Lucky House in Jordan, resulting in five deaths and 40 injuries.

Speaking on a radio program yesterday, three lawmakers called for stricter regulations to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, a lawmaker from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said many guesthouses operate in old buildings in the Yau Tsim Mong area.

"While authorities currently focus on the interior environment of guesthouses when granting licenses, they neglect to consider the overall safety situation of the buildings, including public areas," he said.

Cheng urged the government to tighten the requirements outlined in the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance to address this oversight.

Michael Tien Puk-sun, a lawmaker from the Roundtable, criticized the current Fire Services Ordinance as "a tiger with no teeth."

"The existing penalties for non-compliance with fire safety regulations are too lenient, with fines ranging up to HK$25,000 or even lower," he said.

Tien emphasized the ineffectiveness of such fines in deterring violations and suggested that the government amend the Fire Services Ordinance to allow them to carry out fire safety measures before charging homeowners.

He also noted the significant cost placed on homeowners who comply with regulations, as installing just two or three fire doors can amount to HK$100,000.

Tony Tse Wai-chuen, a lawmaker representing the Architectural, Surveying, Planning and Landscape sector, acknowledged the challenges faced by the Urban Renewal Authority in maintaining old buildings.

He proposed that the government should actively involve the private sector in these efforts to ensure more comprehensive and efficient progress.

In light of the investigation conducted by the Fire Services Department, which revealed that fire safety systems at New Lucky House were not in active operation during the incident, it is evident that immediate action is necessary. The government should take this opportunity to address the issues raised by lawmakers and strengthen the laws and regulations pertaining to guesthouses and fire safety.

By doing so, they can enhance public safety, prevent future tragedies and ensure that both the interior and overall safety conditions of buildings are adequately addressed.