Macau to roll out first official outdoor no-smoking zones in key public areas

[Photo: Renato Marques]

Macau will introduce its first official outdoor no-smoking zones at Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção Park, the Border Gate Square, and the Ruins of St. Paul’s precinct, following a successful pilot program, with smoking points positioned away from schools and busy walkways.

The Legislative Assembly (AL) gave final approval on Tuesday to amendments to the Tobacco Prevention and Control Law, with unanimous support from all lawmakers. The bill introduces a ban on smoking within 10 meters of the entrances and exits of hospitals, health centers, nurseries, childcare facilities, and primary and secondary schools.

The government said it would adopt a demarcation model similar to that used for bus stops, with no-smoking zones extending 10 meters on either side of facility entrances in principle, though the Health Bureau (SSM) may make adjustments, in consultation with the relevant authorities, where site conditions do not permit full compliance.

The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, O Lam, who attended the plenary session, said that following the bill’s passage, the first batch of designated outdoor no-smoking zones would be established through a Chief Executive executive order.

In response to lawmakers’ questions, she stated: “The first batch will include the Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção Park area, which is currently being piloted, and will be formally incorporated.” She added that two other locations were also under consideration. She said the creation of larger outdoor no-smoking zones was intended to curb “smoking while walking.”

The Secretary noted that smoking points would be set up within the no-smoking zones, guided by several principles. “One is to avoid schools and nurseries while also keeping clear of major pedestrian thoroughfares,” she said. She added that the government would conduct broad public consultation to build consensus before implementation and would pay particular attention to “gray areas” where boundaries remain unclear.

The authorities have reported a positive public response to the Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção Park pilot program, with the rate of smokers voluntarily using designated smoking points increasing from a baseline of 20%.

Health Bureau director Alvis Lo further explained that the planning of smoking points would take into account their quantity, distribution, and physical design. He said that two prototype designs – an open-air model and a screened model – are currently being tested, and that the open-air format would be adopted as the primary design, with screened points serving as supplementary facilities.

The bill will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, with the government noting that its enactment marks a step forward in Macau’s tobacco control efforts. Authorities are also considering placing collection bins at border checkpoints to allow travelers to voluntarily discard tobacco products prohibited from entry before crossing into Macau.

The bill initially proposed that Health Bureau inspectors could record video and audio during enforcement operations, particularly in situations involving danger, emergencies, or public disorder. Following deliberations, the bill was clarified to allow the use of body-worn cameras only in situations where inspectors need to protect themselves or public safety in cases of danger, emergencies, or threats to public order. However, any footage captured may only be used for disciplinary or judicial proceedings and cannot be used as evidence for smoking violations.

The Secretary responded to lawmakers’ concerns, stating: “The use of body-worn cameras is undoubtedly a help for tobacco control work. On one hand, it provides greater confidence for frontline enforcement officers; on the other hand, it will also increase work efficiency.”

She added that the authorities are currently developing operational guidelines, which must be approved by the Office for Personal Data Protection to ensure the protection of frontline staff. Health Bureau deputy director Cheng Seng Ip noted that neighboring regions have effectively reduced conflicts by using body-worn cameras during tobacco control inspections, and the measure is expected to boost enforcement efficiency by more than 30%.

The bill also provides that the ban on the consumption and possession of e-cigarettes will take effect on July 1, 2027, while the provisions on standardized packaging and expanded health warnings will come into force on July 1, 2028.

The bill prohibits the manufacture, distribution, sale, import, and export of herbal cigarettes, waterpipes, and nicotine products, as well as the carriage of such products across borders, with the fine for individuals carrying these emerging tobacco products into or out of Macau increasing from MOP4,000 to MOP10,000.

At the same time, the existing ban on all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship will be extended to cover e-cigarettes, herbal cigarettes, waterpipes, and nicotine products, while the proportion of health warnings on tobacco products will be increased and standardized packaging for cigarettes will be introduced.