A colorful night in Hong Kong︱The Chamber of Commerce advocates that the government take back some stall licenses and re-draw lots to revitalize Temple Street
The government promotes the night-time economy, including enhancing the atmosphere of the Temple Street night market. A reporter from “Sing Tao” went to Temple Street last Saturday to learn about the actual situation. The crowds did not start to increase until 8 pm, but overall it was still not very busy. Some stall owners pointed out that many stalls had chosen to close due to poor business, and some tourists Temple Street has not changed much from when they visited 6 years ago, but the flow of people has significantly reduced. Chan Kam-wing, chairman of the Yau Ma Tei Temple Street Vendors Association, told this newspaper that he proposed to revitalize Temple Street through a “replacement” and hoped that the government would relax restrictions to allow stalls to sell packaged food.
Foreign tourists: There is not much difference between 6 years ago and 6 years later, but the flow of tourists has significantly decreased.
Megan and Steve, tourists from New Zealand, said that they visited Temple Street 6 years ago and returned to the same place 6 years later. “I feel that the stalls have not changed much, but the crowds are obviously less than before.” They hope that more entertainment programs or performances in Hong Kong will attract them to visit Hong Kong.
Shenzhen residents: more disappointed than expected
Mr. He and Mr. Yu, residents of Shenzhen, said that they had not been able to travel to Hong Kong during the epidemic. After the epidemic, they came to Temple Street after being recommended by the website, hoping to taste delicious food and see the colorful Temple Street. However, they were disappointed when they arrived. It was deserted than they imagined. .
Stall owner: Hong Kong people like to “go north”
Mr. Tong, the owner of a clothing stall, said that the atmosphere in Temple Street used to be good. Although business has picked up after the epidemic, it has recently suffered losses. He believes that the main reason is that Hong Kong people now like to “go north” for consumption. In addition, around 7 pm is the busiest dinner time, but law enforcement officers have begun to crack down on stalls to regulate the space occupied. Mr. Tong hopes that the government will relax controls, which he believes will be of great help to the stall business. He hopes that Temple Street can return to its former busyness.
Painting Stall: Sometimes not even one painting can be sold in a day
Ms. Cui, who has been selling paintings on Temple Street for three generations, said that her business has dropped significantly after the epidemic. She used to make about NT$60 per painting, but now she only earns about NT$30. Sometimes she cannot even sell a painting in a day. Fortunately, the government has waived license fees for the past two years, so we can barely make ends meet. She pointed out that many stall owners went out to look for work because they had no business, and many stalls did not open as a result, making Temple Street even more deserted. She said that relevant people have come to inquire about promoting the night economy and she will fully cooperate with them.If Temple Street is truly revitalized and more people flow there, it will help business. I look forward to it very much.
Chen Jinrong advocates that the government withdraw stall licenses and re-draw lots
Chan Kam-wing, chairman of the Temple Street Vendors Association, suggested that the government follow the previous policy and take back the licenses of stall owners who have no intention of continuing to operate for NT$120,000, and then draw lots again to rent out the stalls on a seven-year contract to revitalize Temple Street. On the one hand, it can attract the younger generation to join, and stall owners who have no intention of running a business can get back NT$120,000 for retirement. Because the current policy cannot refund license fees and cannot sublet them out, existing stall owners simply do not open stalls. “It just counts.” .
Chen Jinrong also pointed out that Hong Kong lacks iconic food souvenirs, such as almond cookies and pork jerky in Macau. For example, he gave the example that Hong Kong can sell local chili sauce, sausages, chicken cakes, etc., but Temple Street has always been only allowed to sell dry goods. They are discussing with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and hope to relax the restrictions and allow the sale of packaged foods. “Sausage markets can sell them, but tourists “I don’t know how to go to the market.” Temple Street is a shopping area, and tourists need to buy these things.
Reporters: Xie Xiaoya, He Jiamin
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2023-09-18 00:00:00
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