China's central authorities have issued a new 'alcohol ban' to address violations in official dining, but many localities have 'escalated' the measures, even requiring that gatherings of more than three people be prohibited, to avoid cliques forming, which has sparked controversy. On the 22nd, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Supervisory Commission released a report entitled 'The Central Government Clarifies the Standards for Identifying Official Violations in Dining'.
No Acceptance of Banquets That May Affect Official Duties
According to the report, violations in dining refer to attending or hosting banquets in violation of regulations, including the illegal hosting or accepting of banquets that may affect the impartial execution of official duties, accepting banquets funded by public money, accepting banquets provided by subordinate organizations or those under management or services, as well as organizing or attending banquets paid for with public funds that violate regulations.
The CCDI reminds that there are eight types of dinners that must not be attended, including: attending banquets funded by public money; accepting corporate-hosted meals; holding disguised dining events at companies; accepting banquets arranged by those under management or services; accepting meals that may affect the execution of official duties; using public funds to host private guests; attending extravagant wedding or funeral banquets; attending banquets of any kind with the intention of collecting money.
In terms of 'who you dine with', if it's a normal gathering with family or close friends, there is no problem. However, according to Article 101 of the regulations, regardless of whether the meal is paid for with public funds, as long as the banquet could affect the impartial execution of official duties, Party members and officials must not accept it. If subordinates, lower-level departments, companies, or those you manage or serve invite you to a meal, for any reason and at any place, as long as you accept the invitation, it constitutes a disciplinary violation.
Additionally, if it is in a private club, regardless of who you eat with, who pays, or whether it affects the execution of official duties, it is categorically a violation.