Singapore-based private members' club "1880", which had launched its Hong Kong branch with much fanfare at Two Taikoo Place last November, has ceased operations after just six months.
According to media reports, "1880 Hong Kong" continued promoting a "referral program" to recruit new members and sell prepaid packages to existing members even shortly before announcing its closure. The Customs and Excise Department confirmed today (June 3) that it has received related complaints and is following up. It stated it will take appropriate enforcement action if violations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) are found.
The founder of "1880" recently explained that the company faced cash flow difficulties and failed to secure new funding, forcing the termination of "1880 Hong Kong" operations. "1880 Singapore" will continue under new management. Hong Kong memberships and associated privileges were immediately terminated, though members were offered a one-year complimentary overseas membership for the Singapore club. Public records show "1880" opened at Two Taikoo Place on November 22, 2023, and has been featured on the InvestHK website. Facilities included a gym, an innovative spa concept, and a Singaporean concept restaurant.
Reports indicate that "1880 Hong Kong" emailed founding members on April 28, promoting a referral scheme offering a HK$3,000 dining credit for each successful new member referral before the end of June. Subsequently, on May 13, the club solicited members to purchase prepaid packages worth HK$10,000, HK$30,000, and HK$50,000, promising additional club services.
Customs Investigation & Consumer Warning
The Customs and Excise Department reiterated that under the TDO, it is an offense for a trader to accept payment with:
- Intent not to supply the service,
- Intent to supply a materially different service, or
- No reasonable grounds for believing the service could be supplied within the specified period or a reasonable period.
Conviction can lead to a maximum fine of HK$500,000 and 5 years imprisonment. The public can report suspected violations via the Customs 24-hour hotline (182 8080), dedicated crime report email (crimereport@customs.gov.hk), or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
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