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A company was fined $10,000 at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Court today (November 1) for operating an unlicensed karaoke establishment in Mong Kok.
The court heard that officers of the Licensing Authority (OLA), Home Affairs Department, disguised as customers, conducted two undercover inspections of premises on Nathan Road, Mong Kok in January and February this year. Several posters and sign-boxes showing the operation of the karaoke establishment were located at the ground floor of the building.
Inside, the officers found about 100 customers using the karaoke facilities in 38 different rooms.
Two management personnel later admitted that the karaoke establishment contained 83 rooms with audio-visual devices.
The company was subsequently charged for operating a karaoke establishment without a permit or licence as required under the Karaoke Establishments Ordinance.
A department spokesman said it was a criminal offence to operate an unlicensed karaoke establishment.
He stressed that illegal karaoke establishment would not be tolerated and enforcement action would continue to be taken against them to ensure the safety of patrons of these establishments.
He also urged people to report unlicensed karaoke establishments to the OLA on 2881 7498.
Ends/Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:12
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