Smoking in Macau is regulated more strictly than in mainland China, but not to the extent of the regulation of smoking in Hong Kong.
Smoking is prohibited in a number of places as per Law No. 5/2011.[1]
In May 2009 the government of the Macau Special Administrative Region announced a planned indoor smoking ban for all public places,[2] "to create a fair environment where smokers have the freedom to smoke and non-smokers also have the freedom not to inhale second-hand smoke," Health Bureau director Lei Chin Ion said.[3] In April 2009 the government announced proposed legislation that sought to raise the tobacco sales tax by 300%.[citation needed] Casinos and gambling are a major aspect of tourism in Macau. Smoking is banned on the main floors of casinos, but is permitted in closed-off ventilated smoking areas, which are located on the casino floors. A majority of Macau residents support a total ban on smoking in public places,[4] but lawmakers in closed session on 20 April 2010 were unable to reach a consensus regarding a total ban inside casinos.[5] The increasing number of smokers is a cause for concern,[4] as 17% of people in Macau smoke.[citation needed]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Lei n.º 5/2011 (in Portuguese) – via Imprensa Oficial.
- ^ "Macao to ban indoor smoking in public places". Xinhua. 31 May 2009. Archived from the original on 10 June 2011.
- ^ "Gov't to ban smoking in indoor public places". UO Macau. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
- ^ a b "Survey: 72% back smoking ban in Macao". ChinaDaily.com.cn. Xinhua. 22 March 2006. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
- ^ Leung, Natalie (21 April 2010). "Divergent opinions on smoking ban". Macau Daily Times. Archived from the original on 9 October 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
