Macau: Casino operators want to discuss proposed non-smoking ban

The law has already been approved on its first reading. For it to be enacted, lawmakers will still have to vote at a second reading.

A spokesperson for Sands China downplayed the lack of the company’s signature, saying Sands China also shares the same concerns and was involved in the talks between the gaming operators.

According to the same source, the lack of a signature from Sands China was because the company was still discussing the issue internally and had not been informed the fax would be sent to the Legislative Assembly.

In the fax, the gaming operators note that the new bill could have “a dramatic impact” on their business. Casino operators also say they are “deeply concerned” with the “contradictory” statements made by the government after the second draft law was released.

An initial version of the second draft said smoking would be banned from casinos in three years time but it also said that casinos would be allowed to set up non-smoking areas.

The government has already corrected the mistake, saying the smoking ban will not cover casinos. Instead, casinos will be able to create smoking areas in up to 50 percent of total public areas. Such areas must be created within one year of the law being enacted. This deadline feels to be too short for casino operator.