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Two women were fined $3,000 and $6,000 respectively at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts today (July 8) for contravening the Clubs (Safety of Premises) Ordinance.
The courts heard that in January this year, officers from the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) of the Home Affairs Department conducted an inspection at two clubs on Nathan Road and Dundas Street in Yau Ma Tei which had been operating with certificates of compliance (CoCs).
During the investigation, the CoC holder of the club on Nathan Road failed to show the CoC or its certified true copy upon OLA officers' request. Condition 2 of the CoC was breached.
Furthermore, OLA officers posed as customers and patronised the club in Dundas Street for food and drinks without being asked to show their membership status or being invited to join the club as members. The exit route was also found to be obstructed. Conditions 19 and 12 of the CoC were breached.
The two women, being the CoC holders respectively, were charged with contravening section 21(2) of the Ordinance.
A spokesman for the department reminded all CoC holders to comply with the conditions as stipulated therein. Enforcement action would continue to be taken against illegal club operations.
Ends/Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:00
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