Hong Kong cracks down on unlicensed hotels ahead of National Day holiday
Hong Kong's Licensing Authority conducted raids on 71 premises ahead of National Day, finding five suspected unlicensed hotels or guesthouses. Authorities also targeted internet cafes offering illegal lodging, with penalties including up to three years in jail and HK$500,000 fines.
The Licensing Authority of the Home Affairs Department has intensified its crackdown on unlicensed hotels and guesthouses ahead of the National Day holiday. In a series of intelligence-led operations, officers inspected 71 premises and found five suspected of operating without a licence.
A spokesman for the Licensing Authority said: 'Based on intelligence received, the Licensing Authority conducted surprise inspections of 71 premises during the operation, of which five were suspected of operating unlicensed hotels or guesthouses. If sufficient evidence is found after investigation, the Licensing Authority will initiate prosecution.'
In response to the emergence of new forms of short-term accommodation, the authority has since March 2026 stepped up enforcement against internet computer service centres, commonly known as internet cafes. Officers raided 13 such venues and gathered evidence that some were suspected of providing overnight stays without a licence. Prosecutions will follow in those cases.
The spokesman stressed that operating an unlicensed hotel or guesthouse is a criminal offence under the Hotel and Guesthouse Ordinance. Convictions carry a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment and a fine of HK$500,000, with an additional daily fine of HK$20,000 for each day the offence continues. For repeat offenders, courts may issue closure orders for up to six months. Licensed premises that breach conditions, such as carrying out unauthorised alterations, face fines of up to HK$100,000 and two years in jail, plus a daily fine of HK$10,000.
To strengthen deterrence, the ordinance was amended in 2020 to allow the Hotel and Guesthouse Authority to apply for a six-month closure order against any premises where a second conviction for unlicensed operation occurs within 16 months. As of 1 October, the authority had applied for five closure orders, three of which were granted by the courts.
Beyond holiday operations, the Licensing Authority has set up a dedicated team to monitor online platforms, including websites, mobile apps, social media and forums, for advertisements of unlicensed guesthouses. It also runs promotional campaigns on major overseas search engines to help travellers identify licensed accommodation.
Members of the public can check whether a hotel or guesthouse is licensed via the authority's website (www.hadla.gov.hk) or by calling the hotline at 2881 7498, emailing [email protected], faxing 2504 5805, or using the 'Hong Kong Licensed Hotels' mobile app.
