Tough action on guesthouses working

June 19, 2013

The rising number of convictions against unlicensed guesthouses in recent years reflects the strength of the Government’s enhanced enforcement efforts.
 
This was the message from Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing to lawmakers today.
 
He said the operation of guesthouses in Hong Kong is regulated by the Hotel & Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance to ensure premises meet building and fire safety standards.
 
The Home Affairs Department’s Office of the Licensing Authority has increased manpower and boosted enforcement efforts in recent years.
 
More than 3,800 suspected unlicensed guesthouses had been inspected this year up to May 31, with 75 prosecutions carried out. The number of prosecutions in 2010 was 38, and 128 in 2012.
 
The number of convictions grew from 44 in 2010 to 110 last year, there had been 81 this year to the end of May.
 
He said the figures fully demonstrate the strength and results of the enhanced enforcement efforts.