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The revised licensing requirements for massage establishments are intended to address public concerns over fire safety, vice activities and nuisance to occupants caused by these establishments operating in mixed residential/commercial building, Superintendent (Licensing), Mr Alan Fan, said today (Thursday).

The Licensing Office of the Police, which acts on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Licensing Authority for Massage Establishment Licence, constantly reviews the licensing requirements in light of the ever-changing expectations of the community, Mr Fan added.

"Views are expressed through various channels including the District Fight Crime Committees that the operation of massage establishments in mixed commercial/residential buildings have caused undue nuisance to local residents," he said.

To address the residents' concerns, the requirements issued in August 1997 incorporate a provision prohibiting the operation of massage establishment in mixed commercial/residential buildings between 1.30 am and 8 am.

"There is no blanket restriction on the operating hours of a licensed massage establishment operating in commercial buildings," Mr Fan said.

As at the end of August this year, a total of 213 licensed massage establishments were in operation. Among them, 63 were located in mixed commercial/residential buildings while the other 150 in commercial buildings.

The new requirements also stipulate the minimum size of a massage room within the establishment should not be smaller than 14.3 square metres.

"Experience has shown that single-bedded rooms in these establishments are conducive to vice activities and are, therefore, no longer allowed,:" he said.

To ensure sufficient space for two beds and two masseuse to operate within one room, the minimum size of a room is set at 14.3 square metres.

Mr Fan stressed that in accordance with the Massage Establishment Ordinance, the Commissioner of Police, should ensure that the premises and the situation of a massage establishment are suitable for operation of a massage establishment and the massage establishment will not be operated in a manner contrary to public interest.

Police Report No.2

Issued by PPRB

End/1615 hrs, Thursday, October 8,1998.(NR)

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