The Macau Metro Monitor, January 28, 2011


NEW DRAFT ANTI-SMOKING LAW ALLOWS CASINOS TO HAVE SMOKING AREAS
macaubusiness.com

A new draft of the government’s proposal to revise Macau’s smoking law, but allow smoking areas in casinos, has already been submitted to the Legislative Assembly.  Casinos can create smoking areas covering a maximum of half of the casino floor and must be physically separated from the non-smoking areas.  If passed, casinos will have one year after the new law is enacted to set up such smoking areas.


SJM ANNOUNCES PAY RAISE macaubusiness.com

SJM has announced a 5% salary increase for its entire staff, starting February 1.

CHINA SAID TO PLAN TO RAISE BANK CAPITAL RATIOS WHENEVER CREDIT EXCESSIVE Bloomberg

According to sources, China may order its biggest lenders, including Industrial Commercial Bank of China and China Construction Bank Corp. to raise capital ratios to as high as 14% when credit growth is judged excessive.  In normal conditions, lenders deemed systemically important will need to have a minimum 11.5% ratio, unchanged from the current requirement for China’s biggest banks, said the person.

ROUND THE CLOCK CONTROL SERVICES AT HENGQIN BORDER PENDING FOR APPROVAL Macau Daily News

The Macau Government's final approval for the Hengqin Border crossing between Macau and Zhuhai to open 24/7 is still pending, although approval is expected.