New registration rules proposed for on-site paid photography services

[Photo:Lynzy Vallez

More than 40 residents attended the third public consultation session on the proposed regulatory system for specific businesses and activities, with seven participants sharing their views on the proposed measures.

The consultation document proposes introducing a registration system for paid photography services where agreements are reached on the spot at tourist attractions. The registration would only be open to Macau residents.

Chao Wai Ieng, chairman of the Administration Committee on Municipal Affairs of the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM), stressed that the proposed rules would not affect general commercial photography services, such as pre-booked location shoots.

The official said the initial proposal is for registration to be free of charge, and operators would not be required to submit service price lists.

However, the bureau plans to develop industry guidelines and work with operators to establish suitable business practices, aiming to prevent problems such as excessive charges or consumers being pressured into purchases.

The proposal also states that licenses could be revoked in cases involving serious violations of public order or social morals, with offenders prohibited from applying for licenses for the same type of business or activity for three years.

Acting director of the Legal Affairs Bureau Ng Chi Kin said such penalties would only be used as a last resort. He added that future legislation would clearly define different levels of violations, with minor offences potentially handled through fines and other regulatory measures.