Officials to line up for Beijing buffets

BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A new regulation to battle extravagance in Beijing Municipality bans banquets for officials in the city on business.

Officials at various levels will all receive buffet-style meals during work-related visits to Beijing, according to the regulation passed Thursday by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Beijing Municipal Committee.

The regulation is the first detailed local rule following the eight aspects of officials' work style to reject extravagance and reduce bureaucracy, which were adopted at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Dec. 4.

In China, banquets featuring expensive wines and dishes are often arranged to receive officials, while simple dishes are often served at a buffet.

Dinner is traditionally an important social occasion for both officials and businesspeople. Officials are often seen throwing or being invited to lavish dinners, triggering public outcry, as taxpayers shoulder the financial burden of such events.

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