The government yesterday unveiled its proposed system for licensing private columbariums but lawmakers complained that it left such operators too many loopholes.
Secretary for Food and Health Dr York Chow Yat-ngok told the Legislative Council that officials needed to adopt a pragmatic approach in handling private columbariums, some of which had been unlicensed for many years, amid a growing shortage of urn places.
'We have been reminded that we should respect the tradition of letting our ancestors rest in peace. Upsetting the arrangements ... should not be contemplated lightly,' Chow said.
At least 65 private columbarium operators have breached planning and land rules, according to the government.
Under yesterday's proposals, which will be put to a second round of public consultations until March, all operators of private urn facilities will have to obtain a five-year, renewable permit from a new statutory licensing board established under the Private Columbaria Ordinance. The ordinance, which will be submitted to Legco for approval by the end of 2013, will be enforced by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.
Operators will have to set up a maintenance fund and enter into standard business contracts with buyers.
Those who sell urns without a licence or exemption will face fines and imprisonment.