Clamping down on illegal guest houses in Hong Kong
Government is seeking public input on changes that would improve health and safety of guests
The government is seeking the public's views on proposals to improve the licensing regime for hotels and guest houses.
These proposals aim to minimise the nuisance caused by guest houses, make enforcement action against unlicensed guest houses more effective and better protect guests and the public.
The consultation document focuses on addressing issues about guest houses in multi-storey buildings rather than purpose-built hotels. The Home Affairs Department is accepting opinions until August 28.
Hotel and guest-house licences are issued to premises that meet certain standards for building structure and fire safety. Without an effective licensing and enforcement regime, the health and safety of guests as well as residents in the same multi-storey buildings may be at risk.
Some profit-driven homeowners have converted their properties into small guest houses to meet the demand for accommodation.
Although the number of inspections and prosecutions against unlicensed guest houses has risen in recent years, there is a need to review the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance in order to improve the existing regime.
To enhance the licensing regime, the government has proposed the following changes: