Quality products speak for themselves: hawker group
The head of a hawker group said on Friday that he welcomes a proposal to ban vendors from using loudspeakers, on the grounds that a good retailer shouldn't need the help.  The government is proposing fines of HK$10,000 if retailers use loudspeakers in public to promote their business. Wong Wai-chuen, who represents hawkers in North Point, said on an RTHK programme that noisy amplifiers disrupt people resting at home, especially those who work night shifts.  He said the government's planned move could help stop a lot of arguments. "In my opinion, most customers doubt the quality of the products when loudspeakers are used for peddling. If products are good, you don't need to be loud about it. A lot of customers don't like shopping under such a loud environment," he said.  "You won't lose sales as long as you are selling quality. Some shops start overpowering each other in volume with their speakers to try to clear any last minute products, thinking it would attract more customers." Speaking on the same programme, lawmaker Elizabeth Quat also supported the proposed ban, but said the maximum fine should be higher than HK$10,000.  "It wouldn't be as effective if the penalty is too low. A lot of cases that end up in court will only be fined a few thousand dollars, but it doesn't actually solve the problem. For example, some hawkers who block streets will just treat the fine as rent or as an advertisement fee," she said.  "You need a heavier fine for it to be effective. A summons takes time since you have to go to court, and they usually never charge anyone the maximum fine."