China Xi Jinping: According to the report, the alcohol ban imposed by China’s president Xi Jinping could also apply to individuals outside of working hours.
The Communist Party regime in Beijing is reportedly considering imposing a prohibition order on alcohol consumption, which would apply to both members and government officials, according to Bloomberg.
According to the report, the ban imposed by China’s President Xi Jinping could also apply to individuals outside of working hours. “If a ban is imposed, there is a risk that it will be extended beyond civil servants,” the report continued.
According to Bloomberg, the speculation surrounding the move caused market volatility, with the share prices of major alcohol producers such as Kweichow Moutai, Wuliangye Yibin Co., and Budweiser Brewing Co. swinging to extremes.
The move could coincide with the once-every-five-year Chinese Communist Party (CCP) congress, where President Xi Jinping is expected to seek a third term.
As part of Xi’s anti-corruption efforts, Chinese public employees were prohibited from drinking alcohol prior to the CCP meeting in 2017. In August of last year, the CCP’s anti-corruption watchdog warned that drinking could lead to crime, while also outlawing songs at karaoke establishments.
Locally, Henan’s Puyang and Gansu’s Qingcheng have banned civil servants from drinking alcohol during the working week, even in their spare time.