Guizhou takes care of the alcohol problem

On Sept 1, the provincial government of Guizhou in Southwest China said no alcoholic drinks will be served at official business receptions, making it the province to implement the strictest ban on alcohol since the central authorities tightened discipline supervision after the leadership with Xi Jinping as the core took office in 2012.

The ban in Guizhou is remarkable because the province is home to the prestigious liquor brand Moutai and applies to all Party and government units that operate on taxpayers' money, including Party departments, various levels of governments, branches of the people's congress and people's political consultative conference, judicial departments, investigating and prosecuting wings, public institutions and State-owned enterprises.

Although the prohibition order says some foreign affairs and investment-promotion activities can be exceptions, prior permission has to be sought from government department heads before serving alcohol at such events and the discipline inspection commission at the same level has to be informed about the matter. It also has detailed rules on the categories, volumes and prices of the alcoholic drinks that can be served on such occasions.