Attending yesterday’s current affairs phone-in programme hosted by Ou Mun Tin Toi – the Chinese-language radio channel of public broadcaster TDM – officials from several public entities elaborated on the government’s proposal to relax patron entry restrictions for various businesses.
Yesterday’s programme focused on the government’s public consultation regarding its proposal to streamline administrative systems for licensing and issuing permits to various types of businesses.
The public consultation, which began early this month, runs until August 19.
The government proposes to establish a new legal framework to replace the existing decree-law on the matter, which was promulgated in 1998 when Macau was still under Portuguese administration.
Under the proposal, regulations will be eased for certain businesses that currently require a permit or licence. Entities such as beauty salons, gyms, and snooker halls would only need to obtain a registration certificate to operate.
However, the government proposes that certain venues will remain subject to formal licensing procedures, including cinemas, massage parlours, karaoke bars, amusement arcades, and internet cafés.
Furthermore, the consultation document proposes relaxing entry restrictions for patrons at venues including karaoke bars and snooker halls.
Currently, two groups of individuals are barred from entering karaoke bars: minors aged under 16, and students wearing school uniform.
The ongoing consultation proposes that students in school uniform will remain banned from karaoke bars. However, minors aged under 16 would be allowed entry between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Regarding snooker halls, entry is currently barred for two groups – minors aged under 16 and students in school uniform – unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The consultation proposes that students in school uniform and children under the age of eight will remain banned from snooker halls. Meanwhile, minors aged between 8 and 12 will be allowed entry between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Youths aged between 12 and 16 will be permitted to enter between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. without needing an accompanying adult.
During yesterday’s TDM programme, officials noted that current entry restrictions for karaoke bars have been in place for nearly 30 years.
The officials highlighted that karaoke venues are increasingly viewed as family-orientated entertainment spaces. The proposed relaxation aims to strike a balance between safeguarding minors, supporting family activities, and encouraging healthy development within the sector.
According to the officials, between 2010 and mid-July this year, the government recorded 26 violations involving students in school uniform or minors aged under 16 entering karaoke bars.
This photo released by the Public Security Police (PSP) earlier this month shows police officers conducting a crime prevention operation at a karaoke bar.
