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A company was today (May 29) fined $5,000 for operating a clubhouse in Causeway Bay without a valid certificate of exemption or a Certificate of Compliance as required under Section 4(1) of the Clubs (Safety of Premises) Ordinance.
The Eastern Magistrates' Courts heard that the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) of Home Affairs Department issued several warning letters to the operator of a clubhouse in Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, last year.
In November, 2006, officers of OLA, posed as patrons and had a meal in the clubhouse. They found a sign at the entrance of the premises showing that non-members would not be served at the clubhouse and were told to apply for membership cards before dining. Other guests also claimed themselves as members of the clubhouse.
Without possession of a certificate of exemption or a Certificate of Compliance, the company, being the operator and owner of the premises, was subsequently charged under the Clubs (Safety of Premises) Ordinance.
A spokesman for the department said that the department would continue to take enforcement action against illegal clubhouse operations to ensure the safety of patrons of these establishments.
Ends/Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:01
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