************************************
A woman was fined $5,000 and a man $4,000 today (November 27) at the Eastern Magistrates' Court for contravening the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance (HAGAO).
The court heard that the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) of Home Affairs Department inspected a suspected unlicensed guesthouse in Wan Chai in May and another one in Causeway Bay in June. The two premises were found divided into a number of guestrooms, all consisting of sleeping accommodation, for rental.
OLA records showed that on the day of inspection neither premises had a certificate of exemption or a licence as required under Section 5(2) of the ordinance.
A department spokesman said enforcement action would continue to be taken to ensure the safety of lodgers.
Ends/Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:45
NNNN