The Macao government has reopened applications for outdoor dining licenses today, marking a significant turnaround from its previous policy, which had resulted in no new licenses of this kind being issued since 2009.
In a statement issued this morning, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (known by its Portuguese initials IAM) said that eligible food and beverage venues, restaurants, as well as bars would be able to apply for the outdoor licence on a trial basis.
IAM explained that its decision was made to improve the operating environment of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and was done in consultation with the sector, while taking into account the needs of the community and local residents.
Prior to the government’s announcement, the head of the United Association of Food and Beverage, Chan Chak Mo, had already revealed that plans were already underway for the resumption of outdoor dining licenses.
At a press conference yesterday, Chan told multiple media outlets that the government had been issuing licenses between 2000 and 2004, but later suspended the initiative due to various factors such as hygiene and city planning. He added that there are currently around 20 businesses in Macao offering al-fresco dining.
Chan noted that the sector had been lobbying for the government to restart the issuing of licenses for many years, especially in light of the surge in visitor arrivals and the increasing amount of importance that tourists attach to their experience.
“With increasing visitor numbers and Macao’s positioning as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, why do we still lack outdoor dining spaces?” Chan stated. “Every tourist city offers outdoor dining areas. Even in Hong Kong, where spaces are tight, outdoor dining is available in wider areas.”
[See more: Al fresco eats: The best restaurants in Macao with outdoor seating]
With outdoor dining licensing resuming, Chan said the sector hoped for clearer criteria and guidelines, adding that Taipa, Coloane and Cotai were particularly suitable for outdoor dining.
IAM’s statement indicates that the authorities have attempted to set specific regulations. For instance, the new guidelines stipulate that al fresco dining areas are prohibited from operating from 9 pm to 9 am, the following day. Meanwhile, speakers, and other similar equipment that produce sound are not allowed to be installed in outdoor dining venues.
Mainland tourists who spoke to TDM indicated that al fresco dining in Macao would definitely be a drawcard, but they also mentioned that the environment and product were by far the most important elements.
One Guangzhou visitor mentioned that outdoor dining was not special per se. Instead, she mentioned that visitors were more drawn to places arranged in a unique way, regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors.
Another tourist from Zhuhai also spoke of the need for outdoor dining areas in Macao to have shading and fans due to the heat.
