A woman was fined $13,000 today at the Kwun Tong Magistracy for managing an unlicensed clubhouse in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The court heard that officers from the Home Affairs Department's Office of the Licensing Authority inspected a unit at Hon Kwong Mansion, 25-29 Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui on June 28 last year.

Seventy computer sets were found set aside for members' exclusive use and 20 guests were playing computer games.

The office's record showed that the premises, which were being operated as a clubhouse, did not have a valid Certificate of Exemption or a Certificate of Compliance as required by the Clubs (Safety of Premises) Ordinance.

The supervisor of the club was charged under Section 4 of the Ordinance for managing an unlicensed clubhouse.

Operating unlicensed clubhouse a criminal offence

The department reiterated that it is a criminal offence to operate or manage an unlicensed clubhouse.

Illegal clubhouses will not be tolerated and enforcement action will continue to be taken against them to ensure the safety of patrons of these establishments, the department added.