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A company that had been operating a clubhouse in Causeway Bay with a certificate of compliance (CoC) was today (October 19) fined $8,000 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 in July this year a clubhouse in Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay. OLA officers, posing as customers, patronised the club for drinks without being asked to show their membership status or being invited to join the club. Moreover, the CoC was not displayed in a prominent position and the clubhouse staff could not show the CoC and the membership register upon OLA officers' request. Furthermore, one of the exit routes in the clubhouse was found to be obstructed. Conditions 2, 9, 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, October 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:01
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