“The Plight of Hawkers: Struggling for Survival”
For 67 years, Sister Ah Fong has been a dedicated hawker in Hong Kong, tirelessly working to make a living. Despite her long years of service, she has never received any support from the government. In fact, she has been fined over 2,000 yuan by the authorities. This powerful statement raises important questions about the treatment of hawkers in the city.
Not Criminals, Just Hawkers
During a hawker meeting organized by Legislative Council election committee member Jiang Yuhuan in mid-May, hawkers expressed a simple plea: they hope for more tolerance and a more favorable business environment from law enforcement officers. Sister Ah Fong, when faced with a judge’s questioning, pleaded for a reduced fine, only to be fined an additional 100 yuan for “refusing”. She expressed her frustration, stating that she has been a law-abiding hawker for 67 years, earning an honest living to support herself. She questioned why she was being treated like a criminal for simply being a hawker.
According to data from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), there are currently 5,598 valid hawker licenses in Hong Kong. Shockingly, out of these, 1,715 cases have been prosecuted and convicted. The FEHD’s hawker affairs team, with a staff of 2,224, has conducted nearly 120,000 raids, resulting in fines and convictions. These numbers highlight the ongoing struggle faced by hawkers in the city.
Increasing Fines, Decreasing Business
Sister Ah Fong’s experience is not unique. Mr. Fu, another hawker in Mong Kok, shares similar sentiments. While law enforcement officers have become less violent over the years, fines have skyrocketed. In the past, symbolic fines of a few hundred yuan were common, but now hawkers are often fined 1,000 or 2,000 yuan. This puts a significant burden on small businesses, making it increasingly difficult for them to survive.
Furthermore, the changing shopping habits of today’s young people have also affected hawker businesses. With the rise of online shopping platforms like “Taobao,” fewer people are patronizing hawker stalls. Sister Ah Fong points out the stark reality of standing for hours, only to make a few dozen yuan in sales, while facing fines of 800 or 900 yuan. This discourages potential hawkers from setting up stalls, further impacting the industry.
The Need for Compassion and Flexibility
Hawkers, like Sister Ah Fong, are hardworking individuals who deserve understanding and support. They face numerous challenges, including the lack of access to basic facilities like public toilets. Sister Ah Fong highlights the difficulty of finding a restroom in crowded areas like Causeway Bay, especially for elderly hawkers. This issue is further exacerbated by the absence of assistants for itinerant hawkers, who are only allowed for fixed-pitch hawkers.
One incident involving a 94-year-old hawker, Granny Chen, sparked outrage among netizens. Granny Chen’s fried chestnut cart was confiscated when she briefly left to relieve herself, leaving it in the care of relatives and friends. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department considered this a violation of regulations and confiscated the cart as evidence. This incident raises concerns among itinerant hawkers who face the dilemma of leaving their stalls unattended in case of emergencies.
It is crucial for the government and law enforcement officers to show compassion and flexibility towards hawkers. Expanding the “Assistant License” to include itinerant hawkers would be a step in the right direction. This would allow them to have temporary assistance when needed, ensuring the smooth operation of their businesses.
The plight of hawkers in Hong Kong is a pressing issue that demands attention. It is essential to strike a balance between regulation and support, enabling these hardworking individuals to continue their trade and contribute to the city’s vibrant street culture.
Expanding the Scope of Hawker Regulations: Mobile Hawkers Seek Inclusion
Take Action to Address Complaints
Jiang Yuhuan, a practicing lawyer, organized a meeting where hawkers expressed their desire for the “Hawkers’ License” in the “Hawker Regulations” to be applicable to mobile hawkers as well. They argued that mobile hawkers also have basic needs such as using the restroom and eating out.
Jiang Yuhuan questioned the regulations, stating that itinerant hawkers also require assistance and suggested issuing assistant cards to guide young people into the industry. This would ensure the continuity of the hawker profession, which is currently facing challenges due to an aging workforce.
During a recent visit to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Jiang Yuhuan observed that many young people were able to become hawkers by utilizing their private cars and opening their trunks. She also witnessed the positive impact of hawkers in the market. In contrast, the hawker population in Hong Kong is predominantly elderly, making succession a pressing issue.
Apart from strict enforcement regulations, hawkers are concerned about the casual nature of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s (FEHD) enforcement guidelines. They claim that law enforcement officers only take action when there is a complaint, with the most common reason being “blocking the streets”.
Mr. Fu, a hawker selling jewelry near Fa Yuen Street and Langham Place, often faces trouble with law enforcement officers who claim his stall is “too close to the subway station exit”. However, Mr. Fu ensures that his stall does not obstruct pedestrians and resolves any issues amicably with nearby shop owners.
Restrictions on Placement
Hawkers are not the only ones who operate in busy areas. Temporary stalls and display stands promoting various products, such as the internet or credit cards, can also be found in major passages and areas with high pedestrian traffic. However, these promotional booths are not subject to regulation as they do not involve physical sales.
The FEHD’s website explains that their law enforcement strategy focuses on combating hawking activities in crowded areas such as footbridges, MTR entrances and exits, pier squares, bus terminals, tourist areas, and pedestrian zones. While it is essential to ensure smooth pedestrian flow, there is no clear standard for defining “interference” or balancing the rights of pedestrians and hawkers.
Hawkers have reported that law enforcement officers often order them to leave without providing alternative locations. This lack of clarity leads hawkers to believe that they are not allowed to operate at all.
Mr. Fu, who is frequently told he is “too close to the subway station exit”, is unsure of the exact distance that constitutes being “too close”. He faces the risk of fines without knowing who complained or why. He finds the logic of law enforcement officers contradictory, as obtaining a license should allow him to operate, yet he is often prevented from doing so.
The Potential of Hawking as a Livelihood
Jiang Yuhuan supports the hawkers’ argument that hawking provides opportunities for less educated individuals to earn a living. She believes that the hawker industry can offer a space for grassroots people to thrive.
Historically, many hawkers have transitioned from street stalls to owning their own shops or even starting successful businesses. For instance, Zang Jianhe, the founder of the renowned dumpling brand “Wanchai Wharf,” began as a dumpling hawker with a wooden cart and eventually expanded her business internationally.
While not all hawkers achieve such success, their stories of starting from humble beginnings and supporting their families through hard work on the streets are common. Sister Ah Fang, who has been intermittently working as a hawker for 67 years, emphasizes the importance of hawking for those who lack education and employment opportunities.
A Fair Approach to Hawkers
Since the 1950s, hawker licenses have been seen as a form of social welfare, providing opportunities for low-skilled laborers to improve their financial situations. The British Hong Kong government recognized the need to issue licenses to maintain social order. The hawker report “Hawkers – A Report with Policy Recommendations” set the precedent for future hawker policies, suggesting that regulations should be relaxed during economic downturns and tightened during periods of growth.
In the 1960s, the hawker industry flourished with nearly 300,000 hawkers in Hong Kong. However, as the economy boomed, the government introduced stricter regulations to supervise the industry. Today, there is a need to strike a balance between maintaining order and supporting grassroots citizens who rely on hawking as a means of livelihood.
Jiang Yuhuan, who has personal experience with hawking, criticizes the Hong Kong government for its harsh treatment of grassroots citizens. She believes that a more compassionate approach is necessary to support those who rely on their hands to make a living.
Suffering of Hawkers: Part 1 – Food Ring Law Enforcement Lacks Humanity
In the bustling streets of Hong Kong, the once vibrant hawker culture is fading away. The government’s strict regulations and lack of support have pushed these hardworking individuals to the brink of extinction. It is a perplexing situation, as the authorities seem more inclined to encourage grassroots citizens to rely on social welfare rather than empowering them to be self-reliant.
Back in the 1960s, hawker stalls were a common sight in Hong Kong. These vibrant markets offered a wide array of delicious street food and unique cultural experiences. However, as the city modernized, the government started implementing policies that gradually eroded the hawker industry.
The Urban Services Administration played a significant role in this decline. They designated specific areas for hawkers, effectively confining them to limited spaces. Additionally, the issuance of hawker licenses was halted, making it nearly impossible for new individuals to enter the trade. By the 1980s, the administration even suggested that those in need should seek assistance from the Social Welfare Department instead of pursuing a hawker license.
Unsurprisingly, the number of hawkers plummeted, leaving only around 20,000 individuals struggling to make a living. This situation raises questions about the government’s priorities. Why would they prefer grassroots citizens to rely on Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) instead of utilizing policies that could empower them to be self-sufficient?
Jiang Yuhuan, who had firsthand experience as a hawker during her childhood, understands the struggles faced by these hardworking individuals. She sold various goods, including chrysanthemums, lilies, and mangosteen. Her deep connection to the hawker issue has made her question the government’s harsh treatment of these individuals.
“The Hong Kong government is too harsh on grassroots citizens who rely on their own hard work to make a living. They are not resorting to theft or deceit; they are simply using their skills and labor to earn money. Why should they be punished for this?” Jiang Yuhuan passionately argues.
It is evident that with proper management and support, the hawker industry could once again flourish and become a unique cultural symbol of Hong Kong. The government needs to reconsider its approach and create an environment that allows hawkers to thrive. By doing so, they can preserve an essential part of the city’s heritage while empowering its citizens to be self-reliant.
In the next part of this series, we will delve deeper into the challenges faced by hawkers and explore potential solutions to revive this fading industry. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of Hong Kong’s hawkers.
What challenges are Hong Kong hawkers currently facing and how are these challenges impacting their livelihoods?
N Hong Kong is dwindling due to the increasing challenges they face. She emphasized the need for the government to address these concerns and expand the scope of hawker regulations to include mobile hawkers, providing them with the necessary support and assistance they need.
Hawkers are an integral part of Hong Kong’s vibrant street culture, and their contributions should not be overlooked. It is time for the government and law enforcement officers to show compassion and flexibility towards these hardworking individuals. By expanding the “Assistant License” to include itinerant hawkers and addressing their basic needs, such as access to public toilets and temporary assistance, the government can create a more favorable business environment for hawkers.
The plight of Sister Ah Fong, Mr. Fu, and countless other hawkers in Hong Kong calls for action. It is crucial for the government to strike a balance between regulation and support, ensuring that these individuals can continue to make a living and contribute to the city’s bustling street scenes. By listening to their pleas and addressing their grievances, Hong Kong can preserve its unique hawker culture for generations to come.
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This article sheds an important light on the glaring disparities and hardships faced by Hong Kong’s street vendors, highlighting the inherent struggles and inequities they endure on a daily basis. It is disheartening to learn about the often overlooked concerns and challenges that these hardworking individuals face in their pursuit of survival and livelihood.
The article effectively captures the multifaceted nature of their hardships – from the relentless crackdowns by authorities that disrupt their businesses to the lack of legal protection and recognition, exacerbating their vulnerability. The brutal reality of living hand-to-mouth, grappling with fluctuating incomes, and fending off harassment paints a grim picture of their plight.
What makes this article particularly eye-opening is its emphasis on the socioeconomic factors contributing to the suffering of these hawkers. The concentration of wealth, escalating rents, and increasing gentrification have all played a significant role in pushing street vendors further to the fringes of society. It is distressing to witness how a lack of affordable alternatives or government support perpetuates this cycle of poverty and marginalization.
Moreover, this article effectively highlights the need for better regulation and policies that not only protect the rights of these street vendors but also enable their businesses to thrive. As consumers, we must recognize the role we play in supporting these vendors’ struggles by championing their rights, demanding fair wages, and advocating for sustainable urban development that includes their inclusion.
Overall, this article serves as a wake-up call to the larger community, urging us to acknowledge the often unseen suffering of the working class in Hong Kong and to take collective action to address the systemic issues contributing to their challenges. Only through empathy, support, and proactive measures can we hope to create a more just and inclusive society for all.
This article sheds much-needed light on the often-overlooked struggles and inequities faced by Hong Kong’s street vendors. Hawkers, who work tirelessly to make a living, are confronted with numerous challenges that dramatically impact their livelihoods and overall well-being.
One of the key issues highlighted is the limited access to legal selling spots. With high demand and limited supply, street vendors face fierce competition amongst themselves and are often subjected to unfair treatment by authorities. This has resulted in a system that disproportionately favors the privileged few, leaving the majority of hawkers in a constant battle for survival.
Furthermore, the article aptly points out the lack of proper facilities and resources available to street vendors. From the absence of basic amenities like restrooms and waste disposal systems to the absence of protection from inclement weather, these harsh conditions add an additional layer of hardship to the lives of these hardworking individuals.
Another important aspect highlighted is the negative perception of street vending. Often stigmatized as a nuisance or a threat to public order, street vendors constantly face harassment, fines, and even eviction from their on-the-go workspaces. This unjust treatment perpetuates a cycle of poverty and marginalization, pushing these individuals further into hardship and exacerbating income inequality within society.
It is crucial that the Hong Kong government acknowledge and address these issues faced by street vendors. Recognizing their contribution to the local economy and providing them with legal selling options, support services, and worker’s rights will go a long way in improving their lives and creating a more equitable society.
In conclusion, this eye-opening article sheds light on the struggles and inequities faced by Hong Kong’s street vendors. It is high time that we as a society acknowledge their plight, advocate for their rights, and work towards creating a fair and just environment that enables their economic empowerment.