Asiad effect: Barbeque stalls banned

GUANGZHOU - In a major step to ensure good air quality during the upcoming Asian Games in Guangzhou, Guangdong provincial authorities have decided to ban street barbeque stalls in 11 cities between Nov 1 and Dec 20.

The provincial environment protection department has also prohibited commercial enterprises in Guangzhou, the host city of the 16th Asian Games and Asian Para Games, from refurbishing or painting their interiors between the dates in a bid to avoid air pollution.

The two-week 2010 Asian Games opens on Nov 12, while the first-ever Asian Para Games, a parallel sport event for disabled athletes, will run in the city from Dec 12 to Dec 19.