Male officers from the Zhejiang Provincial Communication Department are not allowed to have beards, as part of efforts to enhance the image of government officials, said a Zhejiang newspaper Wednesday.

The department issued some rules on officers' manners and behaviors Tuesday.

Female officers are not allowed to wear back-baring clothes, to dress sexy or wear slippers when they are on duty.

Male officers are also banned from being shirtless or from wearing only a vest in the office.

Besides these, the rules stipulate that officers cannot make a commotion in the office, or bring in their under aged children. Articles irrelevant to work should not be put on desks.

The department said these rules are necessary to build up a more serious government image. If officers dress too casually, it will be inharmonious with the atmosphere and professionalism of a government department.

(Shanghai Daily June 1, 2006)