'Short-term rules to make gigs safer understandable'
Kenneth Fok, the lawmaker representing the performing arts sector, says practitioners understand the need to introduce temporary safety measures amid the probe into a MIRROR concert accident last week that left two performers injured.  His comments came a day after the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) told event organisers that have hired government-owned venues to revisit and enhance the safety of their stage design and mechanical devices, as well as engage a competent person to conduct daily inspections. The LCSD also temporarily banned the use of mechanical devices that swing, rotate or carry people. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Fok said the sector can see why the rules have been brought in. "Everyone from our industry... places a lot of emphasis on working environment and the safety attached to it, so of course in general we understand where LCSD was coming from when they released the statement, giving three short-term recommendations to the performing arts industry moving forward," he said. He added that he is contacting concert organisers, theatre companies and cultural groups to form a task force to strengthen communication with the government. "It's important for the government to open a professional dialogue with practitioners from our industry, so that we can have a sensible and also constructive conversation to make the performance industry a safer place, but at the same time, a more creative place, too." Meanwhile, DAB lawmaker Vincent Cheng said he hopes the legislature's home affairs panel will be able to convene a special meeting later this month to discuss the accident, which saw a massive video screen fall and hit two dancers on the stage.