澳门试行“禁烟区域” 管控“边走边吸烟”

Core Viewpoint - The Macau government is implementing a trial "smoking ban area" to reduce outdoor smoking while walking, effective from February 12, 2023 [1] Group 1: Implementation Details - The trial will take place around the Song Yusheng Park, where smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking areas [1] - Nine designated smoking points will be established within the trial area, marked by white dashed lines and equipped with ashtray bins [1] - During the trial, staff will conduct irregular inspections, advising smokers to comply without immediate penalties; however, after the trial, violations will incur a fine of 1,500 Macau Patacas [1] Group 2: Background and Objectives - The new smoking regulation follows the 2012 implementation of the "Prevention and Control of Smoking Regulation," which aimed to reduce tobacco use [1] - According to a report from the Health Bureau, the tobacco usage rate among individuals aged 15 and above decreased from 16.9% before the new law to 11.6% in 2023, a relative reduction of 31.4% [1] - The initiative aligns with the World Health Organization's goal to reduce local tobacco usage by 30% by 2025 [1] Group 3: Future Considerations - The Health Bureau will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the "smoking ban area" and use the findings to inform potential amendments to the smoking control law [2]