The Health Bureau has initiated 27 prosecutions in the first six hours a smoking ban came into force in nightclubs and indoor public establishments.

The Bureau, in a joint inspection of 25 nightclubs with the Public Security Police Force, acted against 18 residents, six visitors and three foreign workers up to 6 am yesterday.

Beginning this year smoking is banned in all bars, dancehalls, saunas and massage parlours, in line with the New Regime on Tobacco Prevention and Control to further protect the public from hazardous second-hand smoke, said the Bureau.

The New Regime first became effective on 1 January 2012, banning smoking in public indoor areas such as schools, health institutes, workplaces and factories. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of MOP 600.

Smoking is also banned in major public area in casinos, including the mass gaming floors.

The Bureau said the Government would step up its efforts to promote anti-smoking to safeguard public health and build Macao into a more livable society.