*********************************************
A woman was fined $3,500 at the Eastern Magistrates' Court for contravening the Clubs (Safety of Premises) Ordinance today (July 4).
The court heard that officers of the Licensing Authority (OLA), Home Affairs Department, inspected premises on Pak She Sixth Lane, Cheung Chau, in January this year.
The inspecting officers found two signboards at the entrance of the premises carrying the name of the society and a message showing that non-members would not be served. About 10 people were playing mahjong and cards in the playing area of the unit.
The woman later admitted that she managed the society which had about 100 members.
She was charged for managing a clubhouse without a certificate of exemption or a certificate of compliance as required under Section 4(2) of 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 15:29
NNNN
