Fire hazard abatement notices have been issued to 187 karaoke parlours in a safety crackdown.

The Fire Services, Food & Environmental Hygiene, Home Affairs and Buildings Departments today finished their joint inspections of all 303 karaoke establishments located in 224 composite buildings built before 1988, in an operation starting August 18.

They will soon launch a second-stage inspection targeting all remaining karaoke bars across Hong Kong, including those in composite buildings built after 1987 and in commercial buildings.

Thirty operators issued with abatement notices now comply with the requirements. Legal action will be taken against those who fail to do so within the specified period.

Summonses have been laid against 10 licensed food premises suspected to have operated illicit karaoke activities.

The departments will monitor and follow up on the fire safety of karaoke establishments and other licensed premises through routine and surprise inspections, inter-departmental meetings and the referral mechanism, and joint operations.

If people come across any violations against fire safety they should call the Fire Services Department hotline 2723 8787.