XN000022-1996-05-06 — Page 12

11 -

-

Unlicensed guesthouse operator fined

The operator and the manager of a guesthouse were fined a total of $25,000 today (Monday) in South Kowloon Magistracy after pleading guilty to operating and managing an unlicensed guesthouse in Yau Ma Tei.

The operator of the guesthouse at 14 Tak Hung Street, whose certificate of exemption expired last November, had been reminded by officers of the Home Affairs Department's Licensing Authority to cease operation until a licence had been obtained.

However, during an inspection on the premises in January, the officers found that it was in operation without a licence, contravening Section 5 of the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance.

A spokesman for the department said unlicensed guesthouses would not be tolerated and enforcement action would continue to be taken to eliminate such establishments to ensure public safety.

He also appealed to members of the public to help in the crackdown on unlicensed guesthouses by reporting them to the Licensing Authority on 2881 7034.

End

Hong Kong School Drama Festival

The outstanding actor and actress at the Public Performance Phase of the Hong Kong School Drama Festival 1995-96 will be awarded a scholarship given by the Mountview Theatre School to attend a two-week summer course on drama in London, United Kingdom.

Education Department's Inspector (School Activities), Mr Lai Man-lai said: "This is the first time such prizes be awarded."

The travel expense is sponsored by the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon.

The winners of the scholarship will be announced at the Gala evenings at the Theatre, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, on Wednesday and Thursday (May 8 and 9).