To all Members:

Members are reminded of Section 2(1) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance concerning the giving or acceptance of a gift, reward, cash tip or other advantage. Unless given or accepted with the approval of the Club, the gift could give rise to criminal or disciplinary proceedings against the Member or Club employee.

While Stewards would prefer that no such presentations were made, the Club acknowledges that the giving of lai see packets during Chinese New Year is customary. Therefore, Stewards have instructed employees in both Hong Kong and Beijing that they may accept lai see from the first to the 15th day of the Chinese New Year, that is from 16 February to 2 March, only. Members visiting the Racecourses and Clubhouses in both Hong Kong and Beijing are asked to give token amounts, and are reminded that the giving of lai see is discretionary: Members’ appreciation of employees’ service is already shown through contributions to the Chinese New Year Gratuity Fund.

The Club does not allow betting shroffs or other staff whose duties are associated with betting to accept gifts or lai see. Any such employee who accepts a gift or lai see will be subject to dismissal. If the giver is a Member, the Member will be liable to disciplinary proceedings.

The Club has already instructed its employees that under no circumstances should they “solicit“ lai see from Members, and Members who receive such solicitations should report the incident to us immediately.