New regulations proposed to prevent high-rise fires

China plans to ban entertainment venues and shopping malls from the basement levels of high-rise buildings to reduce the risk of fatal fires, according to a draft regulation released on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Public Security is soliciting public feedback about the idea until Jan 20, when the proposals will be submitted to the ministry's Party committee.

The draft rules prohibit shopping malls on floors B3 and below in all high-rises, including residential blocks 24 meters high or more and commercial buildings of 27 meters or more.