Macao Outdoor Cafés May Stay Open Until 10 p.m. from October 21: 58 New Licences Issued Since Relaunch
MACAO — Macao's Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) announced on October 20 that, to support community economic development and improve the business environment for small and medium-sized enterprises, outdoor cafés may extend their operating hours until 10 p.m. starting October 21 — one hour later than at present. The bureau said the arrangement stays within the general ceiling regulated by the Noise Law, and provides more favourable conditions for night-time consumption and for revitalising neighbourhood economies at night.
The IAM relaunched its outdoor café licence scheme in August 2025, again accepting applications from eligible eateries. As of October 20, the bureau had issued 58 new outdoor café licences, taking the total number of valid licences to more than three times the level before the relaunch. The bureau said merchants and the public generally agree that outdoor cafés improve the business environment, create new opportunities for smaller firms and offer customers a better dining experience, while also supporting Macao's drive for appropriate economic diversification.
Ahead of the change, the IAM held a briefing with the Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) and the Public Security Police Force (CPSP) to explain the new arrangements to operators, reminding them to maintain hygiene, control noise and operate lawfully. The bureau said the extension was drawn up after listening to the industry and relevant departments, and weighing community conditions and residents' daily lives.
Application guidelines for outdoor café licences are available on the IAM website, where residents can also consult the list of premises currently holding an outdoor café licence issued by the bureau.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 澳门议事亭前地夜景（资料图）。照片：Pat Ferrick／Wikimedia Commons（公共领域）。Senado Square, Macao, at night (file photo). Photo: Pat Ferrick / Wikimedia Commons (public domain).
