City administration officials are increasing inspections, fines and possible confiscation of unlicensed barbeque operations around the Beijing area in an attempt to crack down on air pollution and other related problems, according to a China Daily report on May 14. 

May is the peak time for outdoor grill cooking, which takes a heavy toll on air quality, traffic and residents, said Dang Xuefeng, spokesman for the capital's bureau of city administration and law enforcement. The smoke from outdoor barbeques is high in fine particulate matter concentration, which poses a severe threat to residents, especially those with heart and lung problems, according to Dang. The stands, which are mostly setup on the sides of streets, also increase traffic problems and troubles with roadside garbage, while the loud noise of their patrons late at night keeps locals awake.

Downtown is the most severely afflicted area of Beijing according to Dang, adding that most outdoor barbecues are illegal. Operators of illegal barbeques can be fined up to 5,000 RMB and may have their facilities confiscated. The city administration office steps up inspections on illegal roadside barbecues every May, and residents can file noise and pollution complaints by dialing 96310.

Source: chinadaily.com.cn

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Keywords: Beijing barbeque crackdown