Off Beat

Licensing conditions of
massage establishments explained

THE revised licensing requirements for massage establishments are intended to address public concerns over fire safety, vice activities and nuisance to occupants caused by these establishments operating in mixed residential/commercial building, superintendent (Licensing), Alan Fan, said recently.
The Licensing Office of the Police, which acts on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Licensing Authority for Massage Establishment License, constantly reviews the licensing requirements in light of the ever-changing expectations of the community, Mr Fan added.
"Views have been expressed through various channels including the District Fight Crime Committees that the operation of massage establishments in mixed commercial/residential buildings have caused undue nuisance to local residents," he said.
To address the residents' concerns, the requirements issued in August 1997 incorporate a provision prohibiting the operation of massage establishments in mixed commercial/residential buildings between 1:30am and 8am.
"There is no blanket restriction on the operating hours of licensed massage establishments operating in commercial buildings," Mr Fan said.
As of the end of August this year, a total of 213 licensed massage establishments were in operation. Among them, 63 were located in mixed commercial / residential buildings while the other 150 were in commercial buildings.
The new requirements also stipulate the minimum size of a massage room within an establishment should not be smaller than 14.3 square metres. "Experience has shown that single-bedded rooms in these establishments are conducive to vice activities and are, therefore, no longer allowed," he said.
To ensure sufficient space for two beds and two masseuses to operate within one room, the minimum size of a room is set at 14.3 square metres.
Mr Fan stressed that in accordance with the Massage Establishment Ordinance, the Commissioner of Police should ensure that the premises and the situation of a massage establishment are suitable for operation of a massage establishment and the massage establishment will not be operated in a manner contrary to public interest.

Health is Wealth

Reader feedback

[ The following responses to your queries on neurasthenia are provided by Dr Leung Siu-kau, representative of the Hong Kong Medical Association ]

Q
Psychiatric illnesses can be classified into many categories. Does neurasthenia come under one of the categories or is it an illness which gradually develops into a psychiatric illness as a sufferer's condition worsens?

A
"Psychiatric illness" is a broad tmrn which includes different kinds of psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia, affective disorder, depression, anxiety disorder, etc. When people are talk about "neurasthenia", they are actually referring to such minor psychiatric disorders as anxiety disorder, or mixed anxiety-de-pression. These disorders do not turn into other types of psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or affective disorder. They belong to different categories of psychiatric disorders.

Q
Should a clinical psychologist be consulted on a regular basis as a means to release destructive emotions and mental stress, and to maintain good mental health?

A
In general, we should learn how to vent our emotions and cope with stress proper in ord to maintain good mental health. For instance, de not worry excessively about loss and failure, but rather try to develop your potential, make time for leisure activities, and try relaxation exercises to reduce anxiety symptoms if they appear.
When emotionally upset, you should try to talk to relatives or friends so as to vent and share feelings, while at the same time seeking solutions to the problems through this discourse.
It is not necessary to consult a psychiatrist on a regular basis in order to ensure good mental health.

Q
I would like to employ recovered neurasthenia patients to show my support for them. Can recovered patients work under pressure? Are there points that I should pay particular attention to?

A
Broadly speaking, it is possible for stress to precipitate a worsening of the mental condition of psychiatric patients who are undergoing rehabilitation, but this can depend on various factors such as the magnitude of the stress, the ability of the patients to cope with stress, their current mental condition and whether they are receiving and following correctly any maintenance treatment. It is important for a rehabilitating psychiatric patient to learn proper stress-coping skills and to avoid undue stress.
In terms of allocation of work, the nature of and type of pressure involved in the work, as well as the individual's mental condition, ability to work and cope with stress, and his or her mental condition must be considered.
On the other hand, we should take care not to be overly protective nor discriminate against recovered patients. What they want (and need) is mutual respect. Allocating the same duties to them as their colleagues in the same job position will help them quickly regain confidence and self-esteem.

Information for Health is Wealth is provided by doctors and health care professionals of the Hong Kong Medical Association (co-ordinated by Administration and Support Group, Personnel Services Branch, Hong Kong Police). They look forward to receiving, and will try to answer any questions you have, on neurasthenia and other health issues. Please fax:2865-4799.