Those who distribute commercial leaflets on Beijing's streets without authorization may face fines of up to 10,000 yuan (US$ 1,250), according to newly revamped city environment regulations.

Individuals will be fined between 100 and 10,000 yuan (12.5 to 1,250 U.S. dollars) for distributing flyers on the street, putting up posters, or painting commercial messages onto public facilities, says the latest amendment to the regulations on Beijing's urban environment and public hygiene.

Businesses or other institutions that encourage such activities will be fined 10,000 to 500,000 yuan (US$ 1,250 to 62,500), according to the amendment, which was deliberated by Beijing's lawmakers Tuesday.

The fines also apply to commercial giveaways and flyers handed out in public, such as small packs of paper tissues distributed by real estate agents or ticket agencies on the street or in subway stations at rush hour, said Meng Qiao, an official in charge of urban construction and environment protection at the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal People's Congress.

Commercial leaflets that are stuffed into people's hands, bicycle baskets or stuck on car windscreens have long been criticized for messing up the city's environment because they almost always end up littering the streets.

But they are the most economical means of advertising for small companies, who may pay a worker 10 yuan (US$ 1.25 ) for every 500 leaflets delivered.

The amendment also orders local hotels, restaurants and corporate staff canteens to properly dispose of their kitchen waste at designated places to prevent illegal food dealers from recycling contaminated food and vegetable oil.

(Xinhua News Agency November 2, 2006)