ABSTRACT
In Hong Kong, many lawful public entertainment establishments, especially cinemas, bars, clubs, karaoke lounges, night clubs, discos, restaurants, billiard saloons, and video game centres, are under triad protection. The particular vulnerability of public entertainment businesses lies in the fact that they are not able to survive harassment or interruption created by gangs, for their image is essential to their business. In addition, entertainment businesses normally operate on a cash basis. Money can be skimmed off by extortionists before payment of taxes. Moreover, entertainment establishments are usually owned by a partnership – a small group of friends contribute a pool of capital to set up a business. This makes the business vulnerable to extortion because one or a few people in charge of the establishment can make decisions concerning the business. Ground-level entertainment premises are particularly vulnerable to harassment because they allow easy escape of triad members if necessary. However, foreign-owned entertainment premises are unlikely to be the target of triad protection in Hong Kong: triad members may believe that foreign investors attract more police protection because they are well connected with the government.
