The Macau Legislative Assembly has officially passed amendments to its smoking control legislation, which includes a ban on the production, distribution, sale, and import/export of e-cigarettes. The revised regulations also prohibit travelers from bringing e-cigarettes into or out of the territory. Violators of the new law will face a fine of 4,000 Macau Patacas, with the ban set to take effect 90 days after its announcement.
MPs Leung Sun-ho and Lam Yut-tao expressed support for legislative amendments, but voiced concern over how authorities will regulate and crack down on online shopping and delivery of electronic cigarettes, as well as whether tobacco taxes will be increased.
The attending director of the Social and Cultural Affairs Department, Ouyang Yu, responded by stating that a gradual ban on electronic cigarettes is preferred. A complete ban may lead users to switch to traditional tobacco products. Ouyang believes that after banning the sale and import of electronic cigarettes, their circulation can be greatly reduced and some users may quit smoking.
A lawmaker brought up concerns about smoking in the streets affecting the environment. Ouyang Yu believes that tobacco is not a drug and it's difficult to completely ban it. A balance must be struck between the needs of smokers and non-smokers through research and review. Further, the streets in Macau are too narrow to accommodate smoking booths.
Regarding the proposal to raise tobacco taxes, Ouyang Yu stated that the feasibility of the idea will continue to be studied. However, given the current poor state of the economy, relevant departments are concerned that a tax increase may further burden consumers.
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