Talking points: Should the government reissue licences for dai pai dongs so consumers have more choices?
Hate it when you can't talk back? Well, you can with Young Post. Have your say and share with students around Hong Kong
Dai pai dongs on Stanley Street in Central.Amos Cheung Man-ching, 17, Law Ting Pong Secondary School
My mother works in Yuen Long, where there are many dai pai dongs. Their food is delicious and the prices are reasonable, compared to most of the city's restaurants.
Dai pai dongs represent Hong Kong's unique food culture; I especially love the taste of their milk tea which I think no restaurant here can match. So I think the government should reissue licences for these food vendors.
Ho Yuk-hang, 14, The YWCA Hioe Tjo Yoeng College
Yes, definitely. The government cannot just think only about economic development; preserving the city's culture is also very important.
Many tourists come here because Hong Kong is well-known as a food paradise. The dai pai dong is a cultural icon, and if they no longer exist, Hong Kong will lose one of its major attractions.
Banning these eateries citing street congestion and poor hygiene is simply an excuse. Officials must find a solution to such problems without taking the easy way out, and then reissue licences for the eateries.
Desmond Chan, 14, King Ling College
The government should reissue licences for Hong Kong's outdoor eateries to ensure their survival. They are a key part of the city's heritage and give the consumers a wider choice. Dai pai dongs also attract tourists who are eager to try local food.
Charis Chan Cheuk-lok, 13, Carmel Secondary School
The government stopped issuing licences for dai pai dongs in 1956. And it has even begun buying back licences from older eateries. So, the number of dai pai dongs has dropped; there are only 25 licensed eateries left. By not reissuing licences, the government is depriving us of cheap meals and forcing us to eat at expensive restaurants. Officials often refer to "poor hygiene" or "road-blocking" when talking about dai pai dongs. But they must find a way to solve these problems and give locals more choices when they eat out.
Rex Wong Cheuk-yin, 16, SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School
I think it is crystal clear that the government should reissue licences for dai pai dongs because they provide food at reasonable prices. I don't think bad hygiene will be a problem at dai pai dongs as long as there are regular inspections by the health authorities.
Tell us whether you think the government should reissue licences for dai pai dongs in the comment box below.
In our next Talking Points, we'll discuss:
What do you think about the government broadcasting advertisements urging the public to support political reform?
We are now accepting your answers for this new topic. To take part, e-mail your answer with your name, age and school name, plus a high-res photo of yourself (no less than 1MB), to [email protected] by Monday lunchtime next week.