Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Review of Smoking Prohibition Regulations at Casinos

Question:

Mr Victor Lye. To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment whether smoking prohibition regulations at casinos will be reviewed to (i) ensure a strict separation of smoking and non-smoking areas in the casinos (ii) allow casino workers to take protective measures such as wearing face masks to reduce work exposure to second-hand smoke and (iii) allow older workers to wear face masks at work even in non-smoking gaming areas in casinos.

Answer:

Both casinos in Singapore have implemented smoking restrictions as part of their house rules, with smoking and non‑smoking gaming areas separated. Under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, casino operators are responsible for identifying safety hazards and taking appropriate measures in ensuring the safety and health of their workers. Examples of measures which they have put in place to mitigate the potential impact of second‑hand tobacco smoke (SHS) include maintaining negative air pressure in smoking gaming areas to prevent SHS from drifting into non-smoking areas and improving exhaust airflow rates to reduce smoke accumulation.

Casino operators should also consider allowing staff working in a smoking environment the use of suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as face masks where practicable, based on their own risk assessment and the need to protect workers’ health.