|
|
 |
| PEP
sets changes in motion |
| |
 |
| |
Public feedback
is getting the attention it needs, thanks to the
Pro-Enterprise Panel (PEP). Read on to find out
how several agencies took action in response to
public feedback on business-related issues.
HSA provides more options for retailers
Previously, a cosmetics retailer had to apply for 15 product licences for an
eye shadow palette with 15 shades. As the cost of each licence, which was valid
for three years, was $30, the total cost amounted to $450.
A member of the public suggested having one licence for the whole palette. Another
suggestion was for an option to apply for a licence with a shorter validity period,
say one year, at a lower cost. The rationale was that some cosmetics will not
be “in fashion” for as long as three years.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) reviewed the cosmetic licensing processes
and introduced changes to meet the needs of retailers.
Today, retailers can choose to apply for a single licence for a palette with
fixed colours or apply for a licence for each colour. The licence cost is $15
per product per year. The charge for a palette is capped at $75, which means
that a flat licensing fee of $75 is chargeable for a palette of five colours
and above. Lower, pro-rated fees apply for palettes with four colours or less.
HSA responds to feedback
When a cosmetics retailer changed his company name from Hong Kong Sa Sa to Sa
Sa Cosmetic Co., he was required to apply for new licences for some 10,000 stock
keeping units.
Hence the retailer requested for the existing licence to be used for the new
company.
HSA con-sidered the feedback and took action. It now only charges a one-time
administrative fee of $15 for a change in the company name, regardless of the
number of licences involved. No amendment to
the current licence is required. The new company name will be updated upon the
renewal of the licence.
SCDF bends the rules
When a covered swimming pool is located in a “sprinklered” building
(one that is required by law to have installed sprinklers), the owners of the
building are required to install sprinklers at the pool as well.
The Singapore Recreation Club (SRC) has a covered swimming pool at the basement.
The pool area has two layers of sprinklers. As the swimming pool is not a fire
hazard, SRC suggested keeping the layer of sprinklers above the ceiling, but
removing the layer below the ceiling covering the pool.
Where a building is required to be sprinklered under the Fire Code, SS CP 52
requires that the whole building be sprinklered unless there are exemptions according
to SS CP 52 provisions.
Nonetheless, SCDF is prepared to consider situations where sprinkler protection
may not be necessary for specific functional use. It will consider a waiver on
a case by case basis.
In the case of SRC, SCDF waived the requirement for sprinkler protection directly
over the swimming pool as the fire hazard risk is low. SCDF also informed the
Secretariat of the Standards Council under SPRING Singapore so that it can review
the regulations.
BCA reviews and amends regulation
When a company wants to change a banner/poster, it has to obtain written permission
from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), even when there is no change
to the frame. It costs $800 to apply for approval for the change.
This requirement is imposed so that BCA can determine whether the new subject
matter is allowed and whether there is any increase in area which might attract
additional licensing fee.
To comply with the above requirement, the licensee needs to submit a sketch or
photograph of the new banner/poster with the dimensions. If the new subject matter
is permissible and there is no increase in the display area, no fee will be charged
and approval will be given. A member of the public questioned the need for approval
if there is no change
to the poster/banner dimensions.
BCA reviewed the Building Control (Advertisement) Regulations in May 2002 and
decided to change the rules so that licensees need not apply for approval when
the subject matter of an approved advertisement is changed. Now, the licensee
only needs to inform BCA of the new subject matter so that BCA can update its
database.
HDB gives the nod to pilot project
Many car owners like their cars clean but are usually too busy to clean their
cars themselves. As a result, many Bangladeshi or Indian workers have been providing
car washing services to car owners in many HDB carparks. Most of these workers
do not have approval from HDB due to constraints in their work permit.
A member of the public, Mr Chua, approached HDB for a licence to provide car
cleaning services (using only water and cloth) in multi-storey carparks.
Although HDB does not issue such a licence, it agreed to allow Mr Chua to try
out his proposal at one multi-storey carpark for six months, provided that such
services do not pose any problems to the cleanliness and drainage system of the
carpark. HDB is currently finalising the terms and conditions of the licence.
ICA acts on public suggestion
 |
When
passenger ferries with “Not to Land” (NTL)
passengers arrive in Singapore, the Immigration
and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will request for
the passengers to be repatriated immediately or held onboard the ferry.
In the case where the last passenger ferry has left, the ferry operator has no
choice but to keep them on board the ferry overnight. However, the overnight
detention of these passengers onboard the ferry can be risky because the ferry
operator is ill-equipped to keep a close watch on them.
A member of the public requested for ICA to work with the ferry operators to
provide a temporary holding area for such passengers.
ICA explored the issue with the ferry operators, who are agreeable to permit
NTL passengers to be repatriated by another ferry operator on a case by case
basis. |
|
| |
| |
|
Next: Did
you know?
|
|
|
