Property owner fined over $90,000 for not complying with removal order
An owner was convicted and fined $92,140 in total, of which $52,140 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts last Friday (January 16) for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).
The Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts, the Tuen Mun Law Courts Building
The case involved an unauthorised structure with an area of about 80 square metres adjoining a village house at Tong Tau Po Tsuen, Yuen Long. Since the Lands Department would not issue a certificate of exemption for the unauthorised building works (UBWs) and the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD.
The Buildings Department (BD), Photo source: reference image
A spokesman for the BD said today (January 19), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety."
Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.
7th Design Licensing and Business Support Scheme sponsored by CCIDA kicks off
The 7th Design Licensing and Business (DLAB) Support Scheme, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Innovative Entrepreneur Association, held its kick-off ceremony today (January 19), announcing 39 selected local design companies.
The DLAB Support Scheme aims to provide training in marketing, brand building, and business operations, alongside professional consultancy and business matching services, to assist the selected enterprises in seizing the licensing opportunities and expanding into the Chinese Mainland and international markets. The 39 selected companies under this edition will participate in the study mission in the Greater Bay Area in late January, with a view to strengthening ties with the enterprises and exploring market potential on the Chinese Mainland. They will also exhibit at the DLAB Hong Kong Pavilion of the Hong Kong International Licensing Show 2026 organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in April, showcasing their creative achievements and further enhancing the global visibility of Hong Kong designs.
Speaking at the kick-off ceremony today, Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries Miss Yvonne IP remarked that Hong Kong designers of the new generation have created original intellectual properties (IPs) that are contemporary and international with their unique perspectives. Their works are not only full of vitality but also embody the cultural identity and innovative spirit characteristic of Hong Kong. The Government will continue to support young designers in creating IPs and actively promote Hong Kong's IPs locally and internationally.
Since its first edition in 2018, the DLAB Support Scheme has supported over 300 local design companies, which have received over 4 000 business enquiries, reflecting the commercial potential and cross-sector collaboration appeal of Hong Kong's original IPs.
For more information on the DLAB Support Scheme, please visit www.dlabhk.com.
7th Design Licensing and Business Support Scheme sponsored by CCIDA kicks off Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
7th Design Licensing and Business Support Scheme sponsored by CCIDA kicks off Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
