Controversial move to ban barbecues in Beijing riles Chinese web-users

Hawkers selling barbecued goods like these lamb kebabs may be a thing of the past if the government goes ahead with the barbecue ban (AFP/Getty Images)

A controversial measure being considered in order to reduce the dangerous levels of pollution in Beijing has been met with ridicule and indignation online.

The state media in China said on Wednesday that the country's environmental watchdog had issued draft guidelines advising larger cities to adopt legislation banning "barbecue-related activities". This consideration comes in spite of heavy pollution being blamed on emissions from coal-burning and exhaust fumes.

Barbecued food is popular across China, and the food-loving public have reacted angrily on popular social media sites.

One said: "What proportion of pollution comes from barbecues? I wonder when the government will start banning breaking wind."

Another said: "This is hilarious. What are they going to consider next? Banning fried food?"