AL committee proposes removing 5% tax in draft F&B bill

Members of the Legislative Assembly’s Third Standing Committee have proposed revisions to the draft Food and Beverage Establishments Law that would remove the 5% tourism tax on establishments in hotels.

A 5% tax in Macau primarily refers to the tourism tax levied on services provided by hotels, restaurants, gyms, karaoke bars, and nightclubs.

In a meeting yesterday on the legislation, committee chair Leong Sun Iok, along with lawmaker Leong Hong Sai, summarized that the draft consolidates restaurants, bars, beverage outlets, and other dining venues into a single “food and beverage establishment” category, rather than keeping them divided, with some outlets required to pay additional taxes.

The revised text also clarifies operational standards, including hygiene requirements for food preparation and storage areas, proper conduct to prevent contamination, and facility maintenance obligations. Temporary license conditions and provisions to ensure legal compliance after paying fines were also updated.

Leong said the committee aims to finalize recommendations by mid-March, enabling the Legislative Assembly to pass the bill for an expected effective date of July 1.