Smoking in Macau is regulated more strictly than in mainland China, but not to the extent of the regulation of smoking in Hong Kong.
In May 2009 the government of Macau Special Administrative Region announced a planned indoor smoking ban for all public places,[1] "to create a fair environment where smokers have the freedom to smoke and non-smokers also have the freedom not to inhale second-hand smoke," Health Bureau director Lei Chin Ion said.[2] In April 2009 the government of Macao SAR announced a proposed law to raise the tobacco sales tax by 300%.[3] Smoking is not banned in Macao's casinos,[4] which are a major aspect of tourism in Macau. A majority of Macao residents support a total ban on smoking in public places,[5] but lawmakers in closed session on 20 April 2010 were unable to reach a consensus regarding a total ban inside casinos.[6] The increasing number of smokers is a cause for concern,[5] as 17% of people in Macau smoke.[7]
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