Allow night markets to stay open past 11pm: union
A retail workers' union on Tuesday said officials should allow stall-holders at night markets to extend their opening hours as part of a push to revitalise the after-dark economy.  The Department Stores and Commercial Staff General Union said a poll of its 2,000 members between August 24 and September 1 found that 70 percent support a government plan to revive night-time trading.  The union's general officer, Eric Chung, urged the government to allow traders in places such as Temple Street to stay open beyond 11pm. "In the long run, we believe that the government should revitalise the existing night markets in streets such as Lascar Row, Sai Yeung Choi Street and Temple Street," said Chung. "Streets like Temple Street are currently facing challenges regarding their operating hours. The restricted business hours of the night market hinder its ability to remain open for an adequate duration, consequently impacting customer traffic in the area." The union also called for the MTR to stay open later in the evenings.  MTR bosses recently said they were considering shortening service hours, to allow more time for maintenance work to be carried out.