Officials do act against illegal guest houses
I refer to the letter by A. L. Nanik ('Police crackdown on illegal guest houses is long overdue', August 19) on illegal guest houses and enforcement of guest house licensing conditions.
The Office of the Licensing Authority under the Home Affairs Department is responsible for the enforcement of the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance and has been taking vigorous action to combat illegal guest houses. A two-pronged approach has been adopted by law enforcement as well as city-wide publicity.
On law enforcement, the office conducts regular inspections and spot checks during and outside office hours (for example, at night, during and before holidays) and takes part in joint operations with the police and relevant departments. Upon receipt of any complaint, the office will inspect the premises within eight working days and take prosecution action if there is sufficient evidence. It will also terminate the licence or refuse its renewal if a guest house operator is convicted of operating an unlicensed guest house.
Indeed, inspections made by the office on suspected contravention have been on the rise in recent years, from 1,664 in 2008 to 2,589 last year. Court fines imposed on offenders ranged from HK$800 to HK$30,000. Two defendants were each sentenced to two months' imprisonment in recent cases.
Readers can rest assured that we have the same concern about the safety and security of tourists who check in at guest houses. We will spare no pains to enforce the law and take part in joint combat action with other departments from time to time.