It grieved me to read that noise pollution legislation was one of the reasons behind the cancellation of the Peal River Music Festival at Kai Tak ('Fans left stranded in pop festival shambles', Sunday Morning Post, February 23). I had been looking forward to going.
This point touches a nerve for many investors, business owners and managers who work in Hong Kong's struggling hospitality and entertainment industry. The government operates with inflexible laws that are simply not conducive to improved tourism development, public morale, consumer spending confidence and the general economic well-being of this city.
Hong Kong has yet to become a truly world-class entertainment destination and cultural Mecca as one key element is sorely lacking - live alfresco atmosphere.
We have an amazingly attractive, clean and safe city with huge outdoor entertainment potential. Yet every time private business investment tries to host and fund outdoor entertainment activities in Hong Kong, the antiquated Environmental Protection Department's (or should that be Entertainment Prevention Department?) noise pollution handbook blocks the way. At the January 12 Wan Chai Street Party on Lockhart Road an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 adults and children, locals and tourists had great day out with live music.
Despite the excellent support of Wan Chai District Council and police (that made it all possible), it did bemuse me to hear that six noise complaints were received at the specially set up hotline.
Noise pollution for future street events has now become a cause of grave concern which may well block the type of live performance that the tourist and consumer want to see and hear.
