HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs has successfully prosecuted two female staff members of a beauty parlour for engaging in aggressive commercial practices under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). The two female staff members were each sentenced to carry out 200 hours of community service at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts today (July 4).
Hong Kong Customs earlier received information alleging that staff members of a beauty parlour had engaged in unfair trade practices in the sale of beauty treatment packages. After investigation, two female staff members were suspected of using harassment and undue influence to coerce a customer to procure beauty treatment packages. A prosecution was subsequently made. Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure services at reputable shops. Under the TDO, any trader commits an offence of engaging in aggressive commercial practices if harassment, coercion or undue influence is used to impair the consumer’s freedom of choice or conduct, causing the consumer to make a transactional decision. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years. Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the TDO to Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
