XN000022-1996-05-29 — Page 14

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Operators of five unlicensed guesthouses fined

The operators of five guesthouses were fined $13,000 each yesterday (Tuesday) by San Po Kong Magistracy after pleading guilty to operating unlicensed guesthouses in Kowloon Tong.

Of the guesthouses involved, two are located in Rutland Quadrant, two in Cumberland Road, and the remaining one in Norfolk Road,

The operators, whose certificates 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 granted to them. However, when the officers conducted a two-day operation in December last year against unlicensed guesthouses catering mainly for local residents, they found these guesthouses were still in operation without a licence. The operators were subsequently charged under 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 against them to ensure all such establishments are being operated with proper regard for building and fire 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 Monetary Authority money market operations

Cumulative

Time

$ million (hours)

change ($million)

Opening balance in the account

1,627

0930

+334

Closing balance in the account

1,550

1000

+334

Change attributable to :

1100

+334

Money market activity

+328

1200

+338

LAF today

-405

1500

+338

1600

+328

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 124.6 *+0.1* 29.5.96