26.4 percent of smoking infractions were in casinos: Health Bureau

More than a quarter of all smoking infractions in the first half of the year took place inside casinos, according to data from the Health Bureau, local media reports.  A total of 775 people have been charged for smoking inside casinos, out of a total 2,941. The majority of these offenders were tourists.  The smoking ban came into effect on January 1 this year, a measure that analysts believe has played a part in weighing down VIP revenues. As of June 30, health authorities have authorized a total of 562 new smoking lounges in 31 casinos.