The two tables policy took a long while to realise as CGH can be interpreted widely. In mid 1980s, as result of pressure from social groups, clans and grassroots organisations, it was developed and announced publicly during that time.
A police officer cannot conduct raid or arrest anyone without authorisation from an Asst Supt of Police. It is one of rare occasion where a Police Officer cannot arrest or raid without sanction of an ASP. Most laws allow Police Officer to act unilaterally.
This was to stop blur officers from doing things without the knowledge of Senior Officer of the rank of ASP who knows what Policies apply. The ASP is also required by MHA policy to open a file and conduct surveillance by different officers on different occasions. None of this is in the Act.
Interestingly a Sgt has the power to stop a plane leaving and arresting someone in it for drugs etc. When it comes to CGH, even an inspector has no powers.
Gambling and prostitution are 2 activities that have an policy umbrella with MHA determining the rules. The rules are seldom disclosed. The only instance is mid 1980s for CGH.
Do read the CGH throrughly and even an idiot will realise that law actually allows anyone to be prosecuted for gambling with his wife in the confines of his home using one table. See the part about public access and then the other where no public access also you are in trouble. Does it make sense?
Go ask any lawyer and they will never give a written opinion when it comes to CGH and laws relating to prostitution.
I had wanted to write a paragraph by paragraph reply to your post to explain the Act, but after considering what kind of rejoinder might be anticipated from you, I decided that it would be tiresome and unnecessary.
I just have this to say :
1. I have read thoroughly and used the CGH act on more than one occasion. I would like to believe that I know it pretty well.
2. Remember that all sections in the Act have to be read in conjunction with the interpretation section.
3. Nowhere in the Act is reference made to the number of tables involved. So I am quite sure there is no section which makes gambling with your wife on one table at home an offence.
4. Within the police force and the MHA, there may be some kind of policy regarding the number of tables required to make it a CGH (So you claim). But that is not law, and neither does it affect the legality of gambling in a non CGH.
I have personally seen 16 persons (4 mahjong tables) arrested at the same time and at the same place, subsequently acquitted of gambling in a CGH. All 16 admitted to gambling for money, but the defence managed to show that the premises was not a CGH. Even the AGC withdrew their notice of appeal when the GD came out.
4. I also know for a fact that there are many lawyers who will give an opinion on CGH offences. But of course it will cost dearly, since written opinions are not the norm in criminal practice. If the lawyer refuses, that's because the opinion would be very straight forward, and the lawyer does not want to waste his time and his client's money.
As for prostitution, I hope you know by now that prostitution per se is not an offence in our little sunny island republic.
5. The way you write, some uninitiated laymen may think you are in practice. So, when were you called?