XCC(86)137
Page
14
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It is however for consideration whether Mark Six should continue to be linked to a 'social welfare' purpose, as the funds generated from the proceeds are negligible compared to the total size of the Government's expenditure on welfare services. A review of the rolling programme of welfare projects funded from this source and its resource implications on the recurrent account is under way. A separate submission to Council will be made if changes are deemed necessary.
(3) Mahjong/Tin Kau Houses
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The Gambling Ordinance (Chapter 148) provides for the lawful operation of mahjong houses. On 24 June 1980, having considered memorandum XCC (80)86, the Council ordered, inter alia, that the necessary legislation be drafted to bring about the freezing and subsequent phasing out of mahjong houses. On 19 October 1982, after considering a draft Bill for this purpose, Council reversed its decision and advised that an alternative approach to the licensing of such premises developed. This approach involved allowing
allowing existing mahjong houses to continue to operate, possibly even with an occasional increase in the number of these licenses.
be
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The reversal by Council of its earlier decision might have been due to the views expressed by the law enforcement agencies that mahjong houses provided a lawful gambling outlet for people such as manual workers who did not have the means facilities or inclination
or inclination to participate in "social gambling' as provided under section 3 of the Gambling Ordinance. Reservations were also raised that, if mahjong houses were closed down, many would seek to remain in operation either illegal gambling establishments or by taking undue advantage of the Ordinance which provide for lawful gambling of mahjong and tin kau in the premises of registered societies. It would then be difficult, under the Societies Ordinance, to refuse applications for the registration of societies which might turn out to be gambling premises.
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Since the Council's decision in 1982 a total of 20
applications for licences to operate mahjong/t
tin kau houses were received, but none were approved. In the last three and a
half years, ten applications were approved involving only transfer of licences or the extension of premises.
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All applications are considered by the licensing authority (Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority) on their merits, taking into
into account comments from the relevant Government departments, including the District Office and the Police. Decisions are based on a combination of factors, such as local opinion, suitability of premises and applicant and the presence of illegal gambling in the vicinity.
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