Guest house licensing laws under the spotlight

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak on Saturday said laws covering guest houses could be changed, even though strict rules are already in place for the issuance of licenses. Her comment came after five people died in a fire on Wednesday at New Lucky House in Jordan. The building is home to hundreds of residents as well as 35 registered guest houses. Speaking on a Commercial Radio programme, Mak said authorities would consider various factors when issuing licenses, such as the number of staircases and fire escape routes. She also said guest house operators had to provide proof that their premises complied with fire safety requirements. "Our colleagues at the Office of the Licensing Authority will also conduct spot checks. If any violations are found during an inspection, we will ask the operators to remedy the situation. If they do not comply, we will cancel the license," she said. "As for whether we need to further amend the legislation based on the situation, this is what society has to discuss."