What's the buzz

The news that Jiugui Liquor contains excessive amounts of plasticizer has made headlines across China this week. Following the revelation, some netizens are discussing why liquor is so popular with Chinese people. Why is it business people and officials only seem to get down to business when they are intoxicated? China Daily's mobile phone news readers share their views:

I think the liquor culture that has been in existence for thousands of years in China has attributed to its popularity among Chinese people. In the opinion of ancient poets and politicians, men who liked to drink are true men, with whom they were willing to make friends. Besides, the alcohol helps people relax and makes it easier to smooth business negotiations.

GUYUE, Fuzhou, Fujian province