Despite new tobacco-control roles in Macau, gamblers continue to light up, according to casino staff who complained to the Macau Federation of Trade Unions. In a January 15 press release, the labor organization reported that the covert activity is not limited to a smoke in the bathroom stall but also goes on right at tableside.
The new stricter rules around smoking limit tobacco use to specially equipped and certified smoking lounges. The laws went into effect on January 1. But some casino patrons aren’t taking the measures seriously, reported GGRAsia. According to the union statement, a smoking control hotline had received 141 complaints as of last week, and as many as 90 percent alleged violations of the rules in VIP gaming areas.
In at least one high-profile incident, a dispute over smoking led to gunfire. On January 3, a police officer fired a warning shot when three Mainland Chinese men were caught smoking in a no-smoking zone outside Galaxy Macau in Cotai. According to the Macau News Agency, the officer was then assaulted by the men.
The smokers were charged with assault and disobeying police orders. Two were fined and released. Another remained in custody.
Smokers who light up outside the casinos’ designated smoking lounges are subject to fines of up to MOP 200,000 (US$24,795). Meanwhile, the Macau Health Bureau says it has a “no tolerance” policy when it comes to violent behavior when the smoking ban is enforced.
