Revised tobacco law moves forward with tighter e-cigarette controls

Lawmakers have wrapped up their review of proposed amendments to the city’s tobacco control regime yesterday, paving the way for a final vote on expanded smoking restrictions and tougher penalties targeting newer tobacco products.

The bill, if approved, would introduce wider smoke-free areas, further restrict the possession of e-cigarettes in public places and increase fines for the cross-border importation of emerging tobacco products.

The Legislative Assembly’s (AL) Third Standing Committee chairman Leong Sun Iok said yesterday that his committee supports the government’s policy direction and has signed off on the bill’s main measures.

The relevant bill would extend smoking bans to within 10 meters of the entrances and exits of hospitals, health centers, and primary and secondary schools, with the boundaries to be marked by the relevant authorities.

The revised bill also would prohibit the consumption or possession of e-cigarettes in smoke-free areas and certain designated outdoor group-use spaces, while also banning the manufacture, distribution, sale, import, and export of nicotine pouches, herbal cigarettes, and hookahs.

The government has proposed increasing the fine for illegally carrying those products in and out of Macau to MOP10,000 from MOP4,000, a move the committee approved.

According to a statement from the Legislative Council, the bill also strengthens language on enforcement. If passed, Health Bureau inspectors would be allowed to use body cameras when performing lawful duties in dangerous, urgent, or disorderly situations, but the footage would not be used as evidence in prosecutions for illegal smoking.

Officials added that the cameras are intended to protect inspectors, not to document smoking violations.

Lawmakers also settled on a compromise over warning labels on cigar packaging. Leong said the government adjusted its original proposal and settled on warning labels covering 70% of both sides of the packaging.

The committee held four meetings on the bill before signing its opinion, and the measure now moves to the full legislature for debate and a vote.

If approved, the revised law would take effect on Jan. 1 next year, while standardized tobacco packaging and expanded warning labels would begin on July 1, 2028.