Illegal extension of business by shops is a street management problem which falls within the purview of a number of government departments. The core function of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) is maintaining environmental hygiene. To tackle the obstruction problem, the FEHD will take enforcement action under relevant provisions of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132 and Summary Offences Ordinance, Cap. 228 having regard to the actual circumstances. The FEHD will also actively participate in inter-departmental operations, such that relevant departments can take further action under their purview to stop such unauthorised activities.

The level of fixed penalty against obstruction of public places is $6,000 with effective from 22 October 2023.