Backing current rules on casino smoking

The government of Macau believes there is currently no need to change its tobacco smoking restrictions in casinos into full bans, according to a story in the Macau Business Daily.

Casinos and gaming venues are allowed to set up smoking areas that take up no more than 50 percent of their public space, but they are under no obligation to set aside any area for smoking.

Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Cheong U said yesterday that the government would continue addressing the issue and make relevant improvements. However, he said, “We’re in no rush to amend the legislation.”

Legislators, on the other hand, for the most part are in favor of a full smoking ban in casinos.

Legislator Lei Cheng I had tabled a motion calling on the government to implement a full smoking ban in casinos on the grounds that secondhand smoke affected the health of casino workers.