Hong Kong watch repairer, 76, set to secure hawker licence after 6-year fight

Hong Kong authorities are expected to issue a new hawker licence to a 76-year-old watch repairer who secured the support of his district council, marking the government’s sole exemption in 14 years.

Shir Wing-shing, a watch repairer for more than three decades, on Monday described being given the green light by Kwun Tong District Council’s environment and hygiene committee as a “belated birthday present” after his six-year battle for a licence.

“I am very happy … I have fought to the end,” said Shir, who turned 76 on Saturday.

The government normally does not issue new hawker licences but under a 2015 policy, unlicensed tradesmen surveyed in 2009, including cobblers, watch repairers and knife sharpeners, among others, may get one with the support of the district council and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to continue operating.

Shir has been plying his trade at Yue Man Square in Kwun Tong for 20 years using a mini working table but missed the 2009 survey as he had left Hong Kong due to family matters.