Beijing Bans Outdoor Grills to Counter Pollution

World Today

Beijing banned the outdoor barbecue. With pollution soaring authorities are taking the extraordinary step in effort to clean-up the air, and to ensure food safety. 

During Beijing’s sweltering summers, many residents gather round sidewalk tables, drinking beer and eating food cooked in the street, and the ban is bound to make an impact coming into effect on a labour day holiday.

The new rules, which also target eateries serving popular cold dishes, are intended to help preserve food safety and control smog, state-owned China News Service reported on its website.

Popular snacks like garlic cucumber salad and cold tofu skin will likely no longer be sold outdoors, the news report said. Grills where skewers of lamb, beef, chicken wings and vegetables are cooked must be moved inside.The government has said tackling pollution is one of its top priorities.Not surprisingly, public reaction is mixed. CCTV’s Wu Guoxiu reports.

Beijing Bans Outdoor Grills to Counter Pollution

Beijing banned the outdoor barbecue. With pollution soaring authorities are taking the extraordinary step in effort to clean-up the air, and to ensure food safety. Not surprisingly, reaction is mixed. CCTV's Wu Guoxiu reports.