According to Section 4(17)(i) of Summary Offences Ordinance, Cap.228, Laws of Hong Kong, any person or organisation organises, provides equipment for, or participates in any collection of money or sale or exchange for donation of badges, tokens or similar articles in a public place for charitable purpose, should apply for a permit from the Director of Social Welfare.

The permit as referred above is the Public Subscription Permit which covers two types of charitable fund-raising activities in public places, namely flag days and general charitable fund-raising activities.