Council calls to expand smoke-free zones to hospitals, clinics, and parks

Members of the Social Advisory Council have urged authorities to broaden smoke-free areas across the city, proposing that hospitals, clinics, parks, and other public spaces be included in the smoking ban to better protect public health.

At a meeting held recently at Areia Preta, several council members expressed concern over tobacco and alcohol control measures, emphasizing the need to extend no-smoking zones beyond existing boundaries.

Council member Leong Chun Kit noted that the Health Bureau (SSM) is considering expanding outdoor smoking restrictions, with pilot projects near schools and daycare centers.

He recommended extending these pilot zones to the areas surrounding hospitals and clinics to reduce secondhand smoke exposure for patients and vulnerable groups.

Concerns about youth e-cigarette use were raised by member Chan Hiu Teng, who urged the government to enhance cross-departmental cooperation to intercept illegal e-cigarette inflows via border checkpoints and logistics channels.

Chan also called for stronger collaboration between families and schools to raise awareness among students and parents about e-cigarette risks.

They stressed the importance of cracking down on indoor smoking in places like public restrooms and called for tighter controls to prevent illegal e-cigarette products from entering Macau.

In 2024, more than 259,000 venue inspections were conducted, with 1,552 tobacco-related and 270 alcohol-related complaints received via hotline. Last year, 3,911 individuals attended smoking cessation clinics at health centers.

Recently, local authorities said they are investigating all cases of people advertising the sale of banned smoking products such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).
This comes after the Times’ inquiry into several social media posts selling e-cigarettes.