Feasibility Study of Licensed Food Business in Remote Old Villages

Proponent: The Hong Kong Countryside Foundation Limited

Site: Lai Chi Wo

Project Description

Food business premises play an important role in the revitalisation of countryside areas. They not only meet the basic needs of food in tourists and villagers but also promote the village's culinary culture. However, the special circumstances of countryside environment often makes the process of obtaining food business licences challenging.

Therefore, the project organisation researched the feasibility of applying for different types of food business licences in remote villages with using existing village houses as business premises. The project organisation also conducted promotion and education activities to share research findings with the public, thereby raising awareness among stakeholders and the public about the sustainable development of countryside areas.

Grant Approved

HK$1,997,920

Project Duration

01/01/2021-30/06/2023

How To Get There

1 | Ma Liu Shui Kaito Ferry |

• Every Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays

• Departure: Ma Liu Shui No.3 Pier at 09：00

• Return: Lai Chi Wo Pier at 15：30

2 | Tai Shui Hang Kaito Ferry |

• Every Tuesday and Thursday (excluding Public Holidays)

• Departure: Tai Shui Hang at 09：00

• Return: Lai Chi Wo Pier at 15：40

3 | Sha Tau Kok Kaito Ferry |

• Closed Area permit needed

• Daily (No service on Tuesday (except Public Holidays))

• Departure: Sha Tau Kok Pier at 08：30、10：30、12：30、15：15

• Return: Lai Chi Wo Pier at 09：00、11：30、13：00、16：15

4 | Minibus + Hiking |

• Take green minibus No. 20R from Tai Po Market MTR Station to Wu Kau Tang, then hike for about 2 hours to Lai Chi Wo

• Reference Route: Wu Kau Tang → A Ma Wat → Fan Shui Au → Lai Chi Wo

➤ Kaito Ferry Service Details

Project Update

The project was completed on 30 June 2023.

Project Outcome

The project organisation successfully engaged four prospective food business licence applicants in Lai Chi Wo village and persuaded them to proceed with formal licence applications. Through these actual cases, the feasibility study managed to provide insights on the anticipated issues arising from food business licence applications in the remote countryside.