105 restaurants fined for violating pricing regulations

As at October 15, the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) had fined 105 restaurants for overpricing or increasing their prices during holiday seasons without notifying the authorities. In a reply to legislator Ho Ion Sang’s written enquiry, director of Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) Wong Chi Hong said restaurants can make their own price list but before putting it into practice or changing the price must notify the entity that issues them the licences. Price details must be explained to customers on the price list, such as whether tax or service charge is included. Violation of these regulations will result in a fine. Mr. Wong said he had consulted the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), who said they would send inspectors to restaurants during holiday seasons and regulate the situation regarding additional charges. By early October, IACM had inspected 689 restaurants and prosecuted 48 who had not complied with the authorities on pricing beforehand. Some local restaurants close or increase service charges during holiday seasons because the law mandates that employees who work on a mandatory holiday are entitled to an additional day’s basic remuneration and a compensatory rest day which may be substituted for another day’s basic remuneration. Legislator Ho Ion Sang said in his written enquiry that the phenomenon of restaurants raising prices of their own volition was becoming rampant, with some asking for 20 to 40 percent extra and some even overcharging after the holiday season. He urged the government to better regulate the situation and increase fines. J.K.