The Health Bureau’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Office Director Tang Chi Ho said on Sunday that the government was “confident” that an amendment bill for the implementation of a full smoking ban in all indoor workplaces including all casinos and other gaming venues will be accepted by civil society and approved by the legislature.
Tang also said the government would do its best to have the blanket smoking ban in the place next year.
Macau’s anti-smoking chief made the remarks after attending the weekly open-air Macau Forum debate programme hosted by government broadcaster TDM in Areia Preta Park.
The government said late last month that it would submit an amendment bill to the Legislative Assembly in the first half of the year to push for a blanket ban on smoking in all gaming venues and that the government was determined to ensure that the health of locals and visitors alike is protected – irrespective of the measure’s possible impact on gaming revenues.
The government also said that it would propose an increase in the tobacco tax on a packet of 20 cigarettes from the current 10 patacas per packet to 70 percent of the retail price, which would be in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations.
All tax changes must be submitted to the legislature for debate and vote. (macaunews/macaupost)
