As the Chinese New Year is approaching, many food and beverage establishments may adjust the prices on the menu, increase the prices by a seasonal mark-up or increase/decrease the types of food and beverage sold. The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) reminds the sector that they are required to declare the price lists to be adopted in advance. Besides, if they need to charge customers additional service fee, they are required to display a notice in a conspicuous place in the establishment for clarification. IAM will step up inspection and initiate prosecution of violations to protect the interests of consumers.
To make it easier for the sector to declare their price lists, the holders of the licenses for food and beverage establishments who have an account on Macao One Account may log in to the online price list notification system on the dedicated webpage of One-stop Licensing Service for Food and Beverage Establishments at http://www.iam.gov.mo/onestop-fnb to process the notification of price list and save time for in-person procedures. Alternatively, they or their authorised representatives may go to IAM’s services centres for the procedures.
If the price lists are not declared in advance as required, or the additional service fees are charged without a notice being shown for the information of consumers, the establishments can be fined 2,500 patacas and 5,000 patacas respectively in accordance with Decree-Law No.16/96/M amended by Law No.8/2021. IAM regularly sends staff to carry out inspections at the establishments to crack down on overcharging, and publicises the requirements through various channels to enhance the law-abiding awareness of the food and beverage sector.
