Ban on barbecues to leave Chinese food lovers’ ‘mouth watering’ during Asian Games

BEIJING - Chinese lovers of barbecue food seem to have been disappointed by the news that major barbecue venues in Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong province, have been closed to ensure good air quality for the upcoming 2010 Asian Games and Asian Para Games.

“I enjoy going out for barbecues, but now I can’t. Barbecues are my favorite food in the autumn and winter, and I hope Guangzhou’s outdoor barbecue business will re-open soon after the Games,” China Daily quoted a barbecue lover, as saying.

Authorities in Guangzhou issued a special notice late last month banning outdoor barbecues between November 1 and December 20. The Asian Games will open next Friday and end on Nov 27, while the first-ever Asian Para Games would be held from

December 12-19.

One of the residents of Guangzhou also expressed disappointment, saying that the government should not ban the barbecues that many local residents like, even when the Asian Games are in progress.

“Barbecues do not cause major air pollution, and the government is being a little too sensitive,” he added.

Barbecue venues started becoming popular in the early 1990s. The city once had more than 100 registered barbecue venues, with most enjoying brisk business. However, many venues, particularly those in parks and the city’s major scenic spots, have been gradually shut down since 2004 when a growing number of local residents complained the barbecues caused pollution, the paper said. (ANI)