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A clubhouse keeper was today (July 4) fined $2,300 at the Eastern Magistrates' Court for managing a clubhouse without a valid certificate of exemption or a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC) in Cheung Chau.
The court heard that officers of the Licensing Authority (OLA), Home Affairs Department (HAD), inspected a premises on San Pak She Street, Cheung Chau, in January this year. During inspection, OLA staff found a notice at the entrance of the premises showing that non-members would not be served at the association. Six mahjong tables and eight people playing mahjong as well as a bystander were at scene. Seven of them allegedly were members of the association.
The clubhouse keeper later admitted under caution that he was the voluntary worker in the association and managed the clubhouse without possession of a certificate of exemption or a CoC. The keeper was subsequently charged under the Clubs (Safety of Premises) Ordinance.
A department spokesman said that enforcement action would continue to be taken against illegal clubhouse operations to ensure the safety of patrons of these establishments.
Ends/Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:51
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