Hong Kong coronavirus: Scout Association headquarters in Kowloon investigated for allegedly hosting banquet with more than 100 guests
- Joint probe by Office of the Licensing Authority and Food and the Environmental Hygiene Department triggered by reports of 34-table fete for a former deputy regional commissioner
- Another banquet that violated the cap of 20 people is believed to have been held at the venue the same day
The Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department conducted a joint investigation of the 25-storey Hong Kong Scout Centre on Austin Road in Jordan on Monday, a spokesman from the Home Affairs Department said.
He said the person responsible for the centre’s clubhouse had reportedly allowed a banquet with more than 20 participants on Saturday, adding that another banquet with over 100 guests took place the same day.
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Existing social-distancing regulations allow for a maximum of 20 guests for the large dinners.
The investigation was triggered by news reports that a former deputy Kowloon regional commissioner hosted a retirement banquet at the centre’s Chinese restaurant Yue Cuisine, which involved 34 tables with at least 100 guests on Saturday night.
The spokesman urged those who attended the banquet or anyone who had details of the event to contact the Home Affairs office at 2881 7498.
“Depending on the progress of the investigation, the OLA may consider further legal action, including listing the persons concerned as wanted or instigating prosecution,” he added.
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The office will also continue to take stringent enforcement action and step up inspections at clubhouses in various districts.
The Post has contacted the association for comment.
Persons responsible for venues allowing more than 20 people at a banquet could be subject to a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and imprisonment for six months under Prevention and Control of Disease regulations.
Those suspected of violating the ban on group gatherings can face a maximum fine of HK$25,000 and six months’ jail, though may also be allowed to discharge their liability by paying a fixed penalty of HK$5,000.
