AL plenary | Casino full smoking ban approved, detailed discussion follows

Alexis Tam

The full ban on smoking in casinos was approved on Friday at the Legislative Assembly (AL). However, some lawmakers argued that operators should be allowed to keep smoking lounges. Two lawmakers, Zheng Anting and Kou Hoi In, voted against it. After Friday’s general approval, the bill will now undergo detailed discussion at one of the AL’s Commissions.
Gaming operator SJM’s managing director Angela Leong On Kei was one of the lawmakers who argued that casinos should be allowed to continue operating smoking lounges.  “Isn’t it possible to give our smoking customers an alternative? I hope the government rethinks the possibility of keeping the smoking lounges. If you believe the existing lounges do not fulfill the criteria, then we can still study stricter criteria to match the needs,” she said. “Is it possible to create in these lounges an environment without even a whiff of smoke? I believe it’s possible. If there is not enough ventilation we will work even better [to match the government’s criteria],” Ms Leong added.
According to some lawmakers, the ban could impact revenues and force gaming operators to fire or reduce the wages of up to 5,000 workers. Au Kam San was one of the lawmakers to voice an opposing view: “This full ban will perhaps harm gaming operators. Of course they don’t want to see this happen. Even some gaming workers are worried. But casino employees must not be worried. This is the year of the gaming license review. I don’t think any casino operator would dare to fire a high number of workers right now,” he said.
Replying to the critical remarks, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, rejected accusations that the smoking ban was too radical. Stating that the government is willing to improve the law, Mr Tam argued that Macau is being “quite permissive, compared to other regions like Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Hong Kong. In fact, we are not the strictest place when it comes to anti-tobacco efforts.”
Concerning the eventual negative impact of the ban on employment prospects, the secretary added the government plans to take measures to prevent any job losses. Alexis Tam also pledged to review the impact of the ban three years after it comes into effect.
After the plenary debate at the AL, Alexis Tam told journalists he is unsure whether the government will or will not take a step back on the smoking ban bill.  He said that authorities remain open to proposals by the gaming industry. “We look forward to the gaming industry proposals. I can’t say much here. How can I deny them if I haven’t read them? We must be objective. I can’t say anything since I have to see what their suggestions are. The industry posted many suggestions [at the AL debate], they say they can do it and we are open to them,” the secretary said during an impromptu press conference.

group concerned over ban

The Macau Responsible Gaming Association has responded to the AL’s approval of an amendment to Macau’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Law that completely bans smoking in casinos, including VIP areas. The group argues that the implementation of the measure will affect the gaming industry. According to the association’s director Song Vai Kit, alterations to the architecture of VIP areas should be considered. “For example, some dividing panels could be set up, or a certain distance could be determined between gaming facilities.  Independent ventilation and independent air conditioning systems are a possibility too,” Song told TDM.