MAHJONG parlour operators will need police approval before employing workers if strict new licensing conditions, aimed at eradicating triad involvement in the business, become law.
Employees will also have to wear staff identity cards. And operators will have to be present at all times during business hours.
Some operators said last night that the proposals were a move to satisfy the bureaucratic needs of the Government and said the new conditions would not affect their businesses.
The proposals were released yesterday for three months of consultations following approval by the Fight Crime Committee in February.
According to the Principal Assistant Secretary for Home Affairs, Duncan Pescod, mahjong parlours did not pose a serious threat to law and order. But tougher conditions were needed to minimise triad involvement.
Concern about triads came under the microscope in 1990 when six people were killed and 24 injured in the fire-bombing of a Hunghom parlour. The attack was believed to have been carried out by triads.