Hotel fights on against safety ruling

A legal challenge to the Government's powers to enforce fire prevention measures may go to the SAR's highest court despite a rejection by senior judges yesterday.

Under attack is a ruling made last September backing the Government's right to change its mind about the steps hotels must take to ensure guests' safety.

The Court of Appeal heard its judgment had alarmed the industry.

Russell Coleman, for the Prudential Hotel, Yau Ma Tei, said the issue was of such great importance it should be settled by the Court of Final Appeal. But the judges disagreed.

After the hearing, lawyers for the hotel said a direct plea might be made to the Court of Final Appeal.

The hotel accused the Government of 'moving the goal posts'.