The 83-year-old Man Yuen noodle shop - forced to move from its street stall location in 2005 - is unlikely to return to its former guise as a dai pai dong despite a relaxation in the law. Its owners say they have no desire to apply for a new hawker licence even if proposed changes to the rules take place. Operator Li Kin-keung said although the dai pai dong had appeal, the working and dining environment at a proper shop was much better. 'At least there's air conditioning in the shop,' he said. 'Times have changed. If the government wants to reorganise the dai pai dong scene it should learn from Singapore where all the stalls are grouped together so that they can be better managed and are more hygienic.' Mr Li did not think it would be possible for many former licensees to get back into the business. 'It could be quite difficult for the government to manage.' He was also doubtful whether the noodle shop would be able to stay in business at its fixed location in Elgin Street, where it moved after former licensee Wong Kwon-hing died. Wong never married and the licence expired on his death. 'We used to pay only HK$30,000 per year for the licence fee and the rent together, but now the monthly rent for the shop costs HK$30,000,' Mr Li said. 'The prices for pork and beef have also increased so much. We have already put up the prices of our dishes, but if the landlord wants to raise the rent later, I don't know if we can stay in the business.'
