The ban was issued in 1994 in an effort to stop hotels from harboring prostitution.

However, the provincial regulation has failed to find legal basis.

"Besides, the regulation has too many loopholes," said a provincial law official.

"For example, according to the regulation, it is illegal for a mother to share a room with her son, and a man can not share an apartment with a woman."

The Yangcheng Evening News said Beijing might follow suit.

Several other provinces have similar regulations, but few have lifted the ban, according to the official.

The lifting of the ban has caused spirited debate. Some people said it might result in a surge in prostitution while others hailed it as progress in the government's administration.

"The ban is lifted mainly on renting houses. Couples who want to live in the same hotel room still have to produce their marriage certificates," said the official.

(Shenzhen Daily July 14, 2003)