China: Cheong U Denies Lack of Transparency on Casino Smoking Ban

Source from:  Macau Daily Times  06/10/2014

The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture has denied any lack of transparency related to results on the air quality of casino resorts' VIP rooms. The government had been informed that the air quality of four VIP rooms did not meet adequate standards, but has not yet revealed further details.

Cheong U assured reporters last Friday that the government is not working behind closed doors. "This is a test done by a laboratory. I can't agree that a test done by experts [means we are] working behind closed doors. We will listen to people's suggestions and improve the situation," he declared, as quoted directly by TDM News.

Furthermore, the Secretary stated they will take people's advice into account "on whether to announce the results [related to VIP rooms] or not, because all casinos have [worked hard] and met the standards."

A full smoking ban will be applied to mass gaming floors as of October, although gamblers will still be able to smoke in VIP rooms, which will have areas for smokers and non-smokers.

Cheong U is convinced that the ban on mass gaming floors will be applied by the current deadline. "I can guarantee that if by then, anyone tells me that there is a problem in executing [this measure] or there are more than 50 percent smoking areas, the government will deal with it for sure," he stressed.

The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture has also appealed to the population to give the government some time and observe improvements in casinos' air quality results. Enditem