Dining rules must align with reality

A new round of regulations hit China's dining industry over the weekend. Among the new rules, restaurants are now forbidden from setting minimum price requirements. Violators could face fines of up to 30,000 yuan ($4,875). Despite this recent pronouncement, local media reports suggest that minimum prices are still rife at local eateries and dining establishments.

Previous efforts have been made to ban minimum charges, but few of these efforts have gone as far as this latest step. Still, many restaurants have deployed countermeasures. Some restaurants are even said to have two versions of their menu - one for customers and one for inspectors.

Such rules are flouted so openly because they are detached from reality. This makes regulations difficult to implement since they do not refer to practical situations and real-life conditions. Officials in relevant departments should do more thorough research and listen to the opinions of diners and restaurant owners. If rule makers cannot come up with more effective measures against rule breakers, unlawful behaviors may spread beyond the catering industry and hurt the interests of consumers everywhere.

The State Council recently vowed to boost the public's consumption capacity. Given the favorable political climate, authorities should do more to whip the dining industry into line.