The Cross-departmental Working Team this morning raided a three-storey building suspected to provide accommodation illegally. The involved operator offered online reservation service for clients. The building was sealed and 2 occupants found on site were investigated. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) joined forces with the Public Security Police Force (PSP) this morning around 10am in an operation to investigate the building in question, which constituted of seven rooms. The operator was seized on site. Two occupants pointed out that they booked the rooms online after joining as a member. They were not required to pay membership fee but only the daily rate for the room. Prior to the operation, the Inspection Department of MGTO worked on intelligence collection and inspected the site to gather evidence. This morning MGTO and PSP took action to enter the building and found that the premise offered hotel-like service and facilities, including computers and amenities. Supported also by the occupants’ statements, the 3-storey building was suspected to provide accommodation illegally and was sealed with electricity and water supply cut. Other Cross-departmental Working Team members were also informed to assist on site. MGTO received in the past inquiries regarding applications to establish guesthouses, and provided related information accordingly. MGTO will also require the inquirer to provide more detailed information for analysis when approached with unclear cases. After reviewing internal data, to date MGTO has not received any application to set up guesthouse at the location of the concerned building. According to existing regulation, guesthouses are rated as 3-star and 2-star and their location should be approved for usage as hotel establishments. Regarding the regulations and conditions for establishing guesthouses, please refer to Administrative Act 83/96/M (http://bo.io.gov.mo/bo/i/96/14/port83_cn.asp)
