Beijing to ban barbecues to curb pollution

As part of the city's efforts to curb air pollution, Beijing plans to clamp down on open-air barbecues within the Fourth Ring Road next year, the municipal bureau of city administration and law enforcement said.

According to a survey conducted by the bureau, the city has identified about 500 spots that are popular for holding barbecues.

Implementing a "zero tolerance" policy, the urban management officers will first clear up all street barbecue stalls in central urban areas and then prohibit their use citywide by the end of 2017, said Ma Huimin, deputy director of the bureau.

During a special crackdown on air pollution this year, the bureau punished 5,400 illegal outdoor barbecue vendors and imposed total fines of 24,000 yuan ($3,938).