Pro-democracy retailer ordered to make multiple rectifications as Buildings Dep’t threatens court

A pro-democracy retailer in Prince Edward, As One, has been ordered by the government to make multiple rectifications at its ground-floor shop and replace its signboard. The Buildings Department issued notices to the landlord and tenant, Derek Chu, in October last year, a month after the business rented a new location on Tai Nan Street.

Chu explained that authorities demanded the removal of the shop's exterior signboard as it violated the Buildings Ordinance, along with adjustments to five outdoor air conditioners and dismantling of iron sheets covering the backyard. The issues allegedly posed a fire risk and caused inconvenience to the public. In March, the landlord received a letter from the department considering a prosecution over the violations, and last month, another letter threatened the shop with court proceedings in December if rectifications were not completed.

Chu mentioned that the signboard had been constructed 20 years ago, before As One occupied the unit, and they added a steel sheet to the existing signboard with the business's Chinese name, as it was a cost-saving measure. He expressed frustration that if the shop were to be prosecuted, it would set a precedent for all businesses with signboards in Hong Kong to face prosecution.

As One, which has run both physical and online stores, has faced heightened bureaucratic scrutiny since the 2020 security law, with the landlord, Chu, estimating the rectification costs to be around HK$30,000.