Functions

The Licensing Section is responsible for the issue of the following entertainment licences under the Amusement Game Centres Ordinance, Chapter 435; Gambling Ordinance, Chapter 148; and Miscellaneous Licences Ordinance, Chapter 114 :

(a)	Amusement Game Centre Licence;
(b)	Amusements With Prizes Licence;
(c)	Lottery Licence;
(d)	Mahjong/Tin Kau Licence;
(e)	Trade Promotion Competition Licence.
(f)	Tombola Licence; and
(g)	Public Dance Hall Licence;

Any person who wishes to operate an amusement game centre requires an Amusement Game Centre Licence. There are two types of centres : adults centre for persons of the age of 16 or above and children centre for persons under the age of 16.

Any person who wishes to operate an entertainment centre or organize functions such as funfair and bazaar involving the playing of games with prizes is required to obtain an Amusements With Prizes Licence. For safety reasons and to prevent children from being inculcated with the concept of gambling, games which are hazardous to players or have gambling connotations are not approved.

If the licensee wishes to sell lottery tickets in public streets, he has to seek separate approval from TELA. This is to avoid clashing with other fund-raising activities or causing obstruction to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

The Mahjong/Tin Kau Licence is issued to authorize a specific person to operate a mahjong/tin kau parlour at a particular place, and at specified hours. Employment of employees requires prior approval from TELA.

Operators of different trades may organize competitions to promote their business. If the competition involves an element of chance (e.g. lucky draw and scratch card), a Trade Promotion Competition Licence is required

Tombola Licence is issued to social and recreational clubs which provide tombola games as one of the recreational facilities to their members. The tombola activity should not be organized for the personal gain of the organizers and there are strict licence conditions to govern the playing of such games.

The primary objective of the licensing control of public dance halls is to ensure that acts of lewdness do not occur in the public dance hall or ballroom. Licensees, therefore, have to comply with strict licence regulations or conditions controlling the minimum age of employees and persons present on the premises, and the lighting and seating arrangements. Employment of employees also requires prior approval from TELA.