Cold Appetizers to be Banned

Beijing will release its official Summer Dining Guide before May 10, in which outdoor barbecues and cold appetizers will be banned from being sold, the Beijing Daily reported.

The dining guide, jointly drawn up by local commerce, urban management, food and drug administration departments, aims to regulate outdoor restaurants in summer, when outdoor beer and barbecues are popular among citizens. The commission of commerce said the barbecue ban has been instituted to help reduce air pollution. The appetizers have been banned due to food safety concerns. All outdoor restaurants should be set up at least 25 meters away from garbage stations, sewage pools and latrines.