12 smoking lounges inside casinos await approval

Two casinos are currently applying to set up smoking lounges inside their gambling rooms, according to a statement recently released by the Health Bureau (SSM).

Up until March 21, only two casinos – the Ponte16 casino and the MGM Grand casino – had applied for smoking lounges. In total, these two applications propose 12 smoking lounges, and are still in progress.

SSM said it has learnt about a number of other casinos preparing to apply for smoking lounges.

The bureau says that it will carry out the approval process strictly and according to the law. Moreover, it emphasized that building a Smoking Free Macau requires a joint effort from all people in Macau. SSM also urges all casino managers to comply with the provisions of the city’s tobacco control law, and further urges them, in case they do come across illegal smokers, to immediately deter them in order to protect the rights of non-smokers who are sharing the same place.

The bureau also called on all residents to participate in the tobacco control act and to report illegal smoking cases.

SSM pledges that it will follow up each report, and will draft inspection enforcement strategies in order to increase opportunities for prosecution.

SSM reaffirms that any smoking lounges without the government’s approval are prohibited, and that no-smoking signs must be displayed, otherwise the responsible parties will be fined between MOP20,000 and MOP200,000 if found guilty.