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The Government has launched a six-week inter-departmental operation to crack down on illegal guesthouses.
The joint operation, which began yesterday evening (July 15), involves the Home Affairs Department, Hong Kong Police Force, Fire Services Department, Buildings Department and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.
Based on information and evidence collected, the departments concerned will take appropriate action against offenders, including issuing warnings and launching prosecutions as soon as possible.
A government spokesman said, "Illegal guesthouses will not be tolerated and enforcement action will be taken against them to ensure the safety of patrons of these establishments."
In a joint operation in Yau Tsim Mong yesterday, a total of 30 suspected illegal guesthouse premises in seven buildings were inspected.
If members of the public come across any suspected illegal guesthouse operations, they should report it to the hotline of the Home Affairs Departmentˇ¦s Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) at 2881 7498 or by fax using the report form downloaded from OLAˇ¦s website (www.hadla.gov.hk). An inspection will be made of the premises where a suspected illegal guesthouse is located within eight working days after the receipt of a complaint.
Any persons who operate illegal guesthouses are liable on conviction to a fine of $200,000 and to imprisonment for two years and to a fine of $20,000 for each day during which the offence continues.
The Government will also explore strengthening publicity efforts to encourage tourists to stay in licensed guesthouses.
Ends/Thursday, July 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 10:30
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