China’s local governments call time on tradition of heavy drinking at official functions
New rules go further than 2013 national guidelines to tame extravagant lunches
Being able to hold one’s liquor used to be a celebrated skill for China’s Communist Party cadres, but local governments are now moving to stop the tradition of heavy drinking at official functions, according to state media.
Many local governments have banned alcohol such as the strong spirit baijiu and expensive drinks at official lunches, Xinhua reported.
The new rules, which go a step further than a national guideline issued in 2013 to tame extravagant lunches, the report said.
In the far western region of Xinjiang, the party has introduced a regulation banning alcohol consumption at official receptions held at any time of day, not just at noon. If an event is for foreign guests, such as government officials or trade delegations, and serving liquor might be appropriate, then approval must be sought from the local discipline and inspection watchdog.
In Anhui province in the southeast, the provincial government issued similar regulations in July, covering not only civil servants but also state enterprises and organisations affiliated with government departments.