Criminal offences commonly committed by elderly people
Hawkers
In Hong Kong, hawkers who sell goods on the street must have a license for their stall. They may only sell goods according to the conditions specified on their license.
It is an offence for a hawker to be in possession of a cooking stove or other heating apparatus unless he has a licence authorizing him to prepare and sell cooked food. The penalty for any breach is as follows:
a. on first conviction, a fine of HK$5,000 and three months’ imprisonment; and
b. on a second or any subsequent conviction, a fine of HK$10,000 and six months’ imprisonment.
(Sections5(3) and 56(1) of the Hawker Regulation, Cap. 132AI)
What if I sell goods on the pavement without a stall?
Even if goods are put on the pavement, it is an offence under section 4A of the Summary Offences Ordinance, which prohibits things on the pavement in a public place which may obstruct, inconvenience or endanger any person or vehicle. The penalty is a fine of HK$5,000 or three months’ imprisonment.
However, the Government has set aside certain areas where hawkers are permitted to operate during specified times of the day.
