Lai see and Gifts (issued Tuesday, 25 January)

As a gentle reminder, the Club as a public body is obliged to observe Section 2(1) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance concerning the giving or acceptance of gifts, rewards, cash tips or other advantages.  Unless given or accepted with the approval of the Club, such gifts could give rise to criminal or disciplinary proceedings against the Club employee, guest or Member.

The Club acknowledges that the giving of lai see packets during Chinese New Year is an important tradition.  Therefore, a temporary exception is made so that employees working at Clubhouses and Racecourses (in both Hong Kong and Mainland China) may accept lai see within the first 15 days of Chinese New Year – that is, only from 1 February until 15 February 2022 (inclusive).

Members visiting the Clubhouses and Racecourses may give nominal amounts and are reminded that the giving of lai see is strictly discretionary.  Members’ appreciation of our employee services is already shown through the annual contribution to the Chinese New Year Gratuity Fund.  In order to be fully compliant with the aforesaid Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, the Club has implemented a policy to prevent excessive lai see that could be construed as advantages under the ordinance.  As a result, employees will be required to declare lai see over $500 and the excess amount will be contributed to the Chinese New Year Gratuity Fund for all staff to benefit from.

The Club has already instructed all employees that under no circumstances should they solicit lai see.  Members who receive such solicitations should immediately report the incident.

Our intention with this policy is to allow Members and Staff to fully enjoy the time honoured spirit of lai see giving whilst ensuring the highest standards of integrity.