Shoe Polishing Blues

The idiocy of Hong Kong's bureaucracy knows no bounds.

Were that not the case then the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department wouldn't have wasted time hassling five elderly shoe shiners who've worked in Central's Theatre Lane for decades for operating without a license.

The overzealous officers claimed "the tools they used for shoe polishing are obstructing the road", which couldn't be further from the truth. I've visited many times for a shoe polish because the quality of the work is excellent and the price is reasonable, and never have I heard anyone complain that we were blocking the way. Four years ago the same department fined the shoe shiners twice for a total of $1,800; a gross abuse of power against people who earn just $25 per customer.

Stand up for the little guy: if your shoes could use a good polish, drop by Theatre Lane in Central. It's located between Queen's Road Central and Des Voeux Road Central; turn right when leaving Exit D2 of the Central MTR station, or head straight across Queen's Road if coming down from Lan Kwai Fong.

And if you're happy with the service, give a little extra: it will be appreciated.

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