Shaanxi bans public security staff from drinking during celebrations

Shaanxi province in Northwest China has banned all employees of public security agencies from consuming alcohol at any time and at any place from Sept 15 to Oct 4.

Hu Minglang, vice-governor of Shaanxi and director of the province's public security department, signed an order prohibiting drinking of alcohol at all levels of the province on Wednesday.

The province took the step to maintain security during the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Warning the public security employees, the local authorities said anybody found breaking the order will face severe punishment, adding that the government will dispatch patrol groups to work with departments to ensure the ban was not violated.

The authorities appealed to the public to report any violators.