Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Macao SAR Government Health Bureau announced on the 11th that, to protect pedestrian health and reduce outdoor smoking, a "no-smoking zone" will be piloted on the streets surrounding Song Yusheng Park starting on the 12th. Smoking is prohibited in the "no-smoking zone," except for designated smoking areas.
Within the pilot "no-smoking zone," white lines have been marked on the ground at the entrance, along with signs indicating "Smoking is prohibited in this area, except for designated smoking areas." Signs and posters are also posted throughout the area to remind smokers. Nine designated smoking areas are set up, marked by white dotted lines, with trash cans containing ashtrays placed between them.
The Health Bureau stated that during the pilot period, staff will conduct irregular patrols. If smokers are found smoking outside the designated smoking areas, they will be advised first, without penalty. After the pilot period, smoking outside the designated areas will be subject to a fine of MOP 1,500.
Macau implemented the "Prevention and Control of Smoking Regulations" (hereinafter referred to as the "New Tobacco Control Law") in 2012. According to an assessment report by the Macau SAR Government Health Bureau in March 2025, the tobacco and related product use rate among Macau's population aged 15 and above decreased from 16.9% before the New Tobacco Control Law took effect to 11.6% in 2023, a relative decrease of 31.4%, achieving the World Health Organization's goal of reducing local tobacco use by 30% by 2025. However, the relevant provisions of the New Tobacco Control Law do not explicitly regulate "smoking while walking."
The Health Bureau stated that it will continue to assess the effectiveness of "no-smoking areas" and learn from experience to make optimization measures, providing a reference for further amendments to the Tobacco Control Law in the future. (End)
