ONCE upon a time Hongkong was all about business. Today it is about democracy and business.

The dictatorial attitude displayed by the Secretary of the Liquor Licensing Board (South China Morning Post, February 18) is conducive to neither.

Why should a group of energetic young entrepreneurs, having invested millions in a bright local venture like the China Jump, have to wait up to two years for a liquor licence? If it took this long for a phone line, Hongkong Telephone would have lost their franchise long ago, as should any other entity charged with providing an essential service.

The Liquor Licensing Board keeps dodging the big question.