Local Chinese governments have stepped up their supervision over restrictions on liquor for civil servants. A stricter ban prohibiting civil servants from touching alcohol on official receptions was recently implemented.

The new rules stipulate that drinking alcohol is banned during work hours and during official receptions, except those intended to attract investment. Otherwise, civil servants are banned from drinking alcoholic beverages offered by any person or institution at events including dinners.

The ban aims to build awareness about the adverse effects of alcohol on those performing official duties. In 2013, the central government issued a regulation banning expensive delicacies, cigarettes and fine liquors at official receptions.

The rules are easily implemented and will help to improve the work style and performance of cadres, said Yang Gang, a member of the standing committee of the discipline inspection commission of Chongqing Municipality's Shapingba district.

Li Haojun, an official with the discipline inspection commission of northwestern China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, said the ban has helped institutions to reduce reception expenses, saved time and helped to purify the social environment.