Full Breakdown
Hong Kong Bookseller Fined for Operating Unregistered School
4/11/2026, 12:24:27 AM
Court Ruling on Educational Definition
Pong Yat-ming, the owner of the independent bookstore Book Punch in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, has been found guilty of running an unregistered school after conducting a Spanish interest class at his store. The Kowloon City Magistrates’ Court ruled on April 10, 2026, that Pong and his company, Active Experiential Learning Company, violated the Education Ordinance by failing to register the educational course, which was attended by 12 participants and taught by Antonio Baro Montane. The court imposed a total fine of HK$32,000 (approximately US$4,085) on Pong and his company.
Magistrate Arthur Lam emphasized that the case hinged on whether Book Punch met the legal definition of a school, which includes any institution providing formal education or educational courses to 20 or more individuals in a day or eight or more at one time. The magistrate dismissed the defense's argument that an educational course must involve assessments or lead to academic qualifications, stating, “In this case, it was obvious that Montane was teaching and the [students] were learning.”
Defense Arguments and Context
During the trial, Pong's defense lawyer, Lawrence Lau, argued that the Spanish class was small and short-lived, and there were no complaints regarding its educational quality or safety. Lau also noted that Book Punch had been operating at a loss, with Pong personally subsidizing the bookstore with HK$20,000 from his savings each month. Pong maintained that he believed the class did not require registration, citing a 2017 statement from then-acting Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung, which suggested that classes aimed at developing hobbies or interests did not need to be registered.
Implications of the Ruling
The ruling raises questions about the interpretation of educational regulations in Hong Kong, particularly regarding informal classes and cultural education. The maximum penalty for running an unregistered school can reach two years in prison and a fine of HK$250,000, while teaching without a permit can also result in a two-year prison sentence and a fine of HK$50,000. The court's decision underscores the stringent enforcement of educational regulations in the region.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the ruling argue that the legal interpretation may stifle cultural and educational initiatives in Hong Kong, particularly those offered by independent bookstores and small businesses. They contend that the definition of a school should not encompass small interest classes that promote cultural understanding and community engagement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A course is concerned about progress or… a series of lessons about a particular topic,” — Magistrate Arthur Lam
- “The bookstore owner said he “genuinely believed” that even though the course was educational and included teaching material about Spanish grammar and language usage, it still did not fall under the definition of a school under the Education Ordinance.” — Pong Yat-ming
This case illustrates the complexities surrounding educational regulations in Hong Kong and the potential impact on independent cultural initiatives.
