Beijing slams the door on fancy private clubs

Beijing closed 37 high-end restaurants and private clubs last year in its fight against extravagance and corruption, the municipal disciplinary watchdog reported on Monday.

Some have been revamped for other commercial use or opened to the public, the disciplinary watchdog said. More than 200 cases of officials embezzling public funds for personal use were unearthed in Beijing last year.

The anti-corruption campaign in the capital has focused on clubs disguised as cultural properties, such as temples or former residence of dignitaries. Beijing wants to close all private clubs in city parks to lease properties within parks only for public services.

A nationwide frugality campaign since 2012 has come down hard on corruption among officials and party cadres, forcing retailers and entertainment venues to adjust their business models to meet the needs of ordinary consumers.