The Consumer Council, Macao Government Tourism Office (DST) and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) met with food and beverage industry in Macao before Chinese New Year to ensure food and beverage outlets offer quality and honest service to consumers. Shops are reminded to report any price alterations to the relevant departments and let consumers know in advance to safeguard consumer rights.

A lot of consumers choose to dine out during Chinese New year, and tourists are expected to patronize restaurants, to safeguard consumer rights and maintain Macao’s image as an international city, the Consumer Council, DST, and ICM met with The United Association of Food and Beverage Merchants of Macao and Association of Macau Small and Medium Enterprises of Catering earlier to discuss on the preparation work of the industry before Chinese New year holiday kicks off.

Prices should be listed accurately

All three departments stated that any price changes or temporary surcharges are required to be reported, the F&B industry are reminded to follow the regulations of Decree-law no. 16/96/M to inform the enforcing department whenever adjustment is made to the price list, meanwhile, food items must be listed completely and accurately on the menu on at the premises, charges and price adjustments should also be known to consumers. For inbound tourists who are not familiar with the local market, they should be explained to and informed of any charges to avoid any misunderstandings and disputes. The two chambers are invited to disseminate the topics discussed on the meeting to their members to better consumer rights work.

5 complaint cases on food & beverage received last year

The Council provided previous complaint cases of food and beverage services as examples for the chambers’ reference on the meeting. The Council stated that as communication between government departments and the industry has now been strengthened, the situation of consumers complaining F&B outlets during holidays has improved. The Council received 5 complaint cases in 2018 and hoped that the industry would pay more attention to consumers’ requests and further enhance the service quality of the industry.