MACAO, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- A new law to control smoking and the sale of tobacco has entered into force in Macao since Monday, the special administrative region's Health Service Bureau said.
The bureau said in its latest announcement that the New Tobacco Control Act enters into force on Jan. 1, 2018 and called for the collaboration and support of Macao residents.
The new tobacco control law includes the extension of non-smoking areas, such as all indoor areas except smoking room at the airport and in casinos, and areas 10 meters within the bus stops and taxi stands. The fine for smoking in prohibited areas is updated from 600 patacas (about 74.8 U.S. dollars) to 1,500 patacas (about 187 dollars).
The new law forbids the exposure of tobacco products in selling outlets. It is also prohibited to sell tobacco products in casinos.
The new law also bans the sale, advertising and promotion of electronic cigarettes, and the use of electronic cigarettes is under the same control for regular tobacco products.
The bureau said the purpose of this new law is to reduce the consumption of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes in Macao, and to protect the health of the public, in particular young people.
