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A company which had been operating with a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) in Mong Kok was today (September 5) fined $2,000 for contravening the Clubs (Safety of Premises) Ordinance.
The Kowloon City Magistrates' Court heard that the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) of Home Affairs Department issued a warning letter to the operator of a clubhouse in Dundas Street, Mong Kok, in March this year after receiving complaints.
Officers of OLA conducted a decoy inspection of the club in June. They found a notice showing that only members would be served at the clubhouse but the officer was served without being asked if he was a member.
The company, holder of the CoC, was found to be in contravention of the special conditions of the CoC - serving members of the public in the club premises. The company was subsequently charged under section 21(2) of the ordinance.
Under the Ordinance, a "club" means any corporation which provides services for its members and has a clubhouse of which only its members and their accompanied guests can use. If a club which serves food and drink also entertains non-members, the premises should be subject to regulations which are applicable to general food businesses.
The department will continue to take strict enforcement action in non-compliance cases.
Ends/Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:00
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