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A company that had been operating a clubhouse in Causeway Bay with a certificate of compliance (CoC) was today (June 22) fined $4,000 for contravening the Clubs (Safety of Premises) Ordinance.
The Eastern Magistrates' Courts heard that the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) of the Home Affairs Department inspected a clubhouse in Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, last December. OLA officers, posing as customers, patronised the club for drinks without being asked to show their membership status and without being invited to join the club. Moreover, clubhouse staff could not show the updated membership register upon an OLA officer's request. Conditions 19 and 20 of the CoC were breached.
The company, being the CoC holder, was subsequently charged with contravening section 21(2) of the ordinance.
A spokesman for the department said enforcement action would continue to be taken against illegal clubhouse operations.
Ends/Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:50
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