Licensing

Recently in Hong Kong, several operators have been found offering small powered carts with design emphasising on drifting (commonly known as “Crazy Cart”「甩尾車」) for use by the public.  According to the current operation, the Crazy Carts, together with the machinery, equipment and plant connected to, or used in connection with the Crazy Carts (collectively known as “the subject Crazy Cart devices”), are designed to be driven by members of the public primarily for amusement purpose.  After detailed examination of the subject Crazy Cart devices and their current operation, the Government considers that the subject Crazy Cart devices are amusement rides which are subject to the regulation of the Amusement Rides (Safety) Ordinance (Cap. 449) (the “Ordinance”).  Pursuant to the Ordinance, the owners of the subject Crazy Cart devices shall obtain the “Permit to Use and Operate” issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.  Where the venues in which the subject activities are carried on are ones to which the general public is admitted (with or without payment), a “Places of Public Entertainment Licence” (“PPEL”) issued by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (Cap. 172) is also required.  Existing operators of the subject Crazy Cart devices shall contact the relevant departments to apply for the permit/ licence as soon as possible.