Guesthouse operator fined
************************* A man was fined $15,000 at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (October 3) after pleading guilty to operating a guesthouse other than the licensed area.
The court heard that in April this year, officers of the Home Affairs Department's (HAD) Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) inspected the premises on Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui and found that the guesthouse, comprising eight rooms equipped for sleeping accommodation, was in operation. Some guests claimed that the rooms were rented from a man in another guesthouse located in the same building.
The man, who was the operator of the guesthouse, admitted that he offered rooms at the premises which was neither a licensed guesthouse nor within the premises indicated in the licence issued. He was subsequently charged with contravening the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance.
An HAD spokesman stressed that it was a criminal offence to operate or manage an unlicensed guesthouse.
The spokesman reiterated that unlicensed guesthouse would not be tolerated and enforcement action would be taken against them to ensure the safety of patrons of these establishments.
He also appealed to people to report unlicensed guesthouses to the OLA at 2881 7498.
************************* A man was fined $15,000 at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (October 3) after pleading guilty to operating a guesthouse other than the licensed area.
The court heard that in April this year, officers of the Home Affairs Department's (HAD) Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) inspected the premises on Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui and found that the guesthouse, comprising eight rooms equipped for sleeping accommodation, was in operation. Some guests claimed that the rooms were rented from a man in another guesthouse located in the same building.
The man, who was the operator of the guesthouse, admitted that he offered rooms at the premises which was neither a licensed guesthouse nor within the premises indicated in the licence issued. He was subsequently charged with contravening the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance.
An HAD spokesman stressed that it was a criminal offence to operate or manage an unlicensed guesthouse.
The spokesman reiterated that unlicensed guesthouse would not be tolerated and enforcement action would be taken against them to ensure the safety of patrons of these establishments.
He also appealed to people to report unlicensed guesthouses to the OLA at 2881 7498.
Ends/Monday, October 3, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:31
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