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A company that had been operating a clubhouse in Causeway Bay with a certificate of compliance (CoC) was today (May 18) fined $7,400 for contravening the Clubs (Safety of Premises) Ordinance.
The Eastern Magistrates' Courts heard that the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) of the Home Affairs Department inspected a clubhouse in Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, last December. OLA officers found that the guests in the clubhouse had not been asked to show their membership status or invited to join the club. Moreover, the total number of patrons and staff members inside the clubhouse exceeded the maximum number of people allowed. Clubhouse staff could not show the membership register upon an OLA officer's request. Furthermore, the exit route in the clubhouse leading to the rear door was found to be obstructed. Conditions 6, 9, 19 and 20 of the CoC were breached.
The company, being the CoC holder, was subsequently charged with contravening section 21(2) of the ordinance.
A spokesman for the department said enforcement action would continue to be taken against illegal clubhouse operations.
Ends/Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:34
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