Beijing has decided to ban its citizens from working on their houses on weekends and holidays in an effort to prevent noise pollution that disturbs neighbors.

The municipal government has also asked citizens not to furnish their houses between 12:00 to 14:00 and 18:00 to 08:00 the next morning on weekdays.

Those who fail to observe the regulations will be fined, according to a circular posted on the official website of the municipal government that is soliciting opinions from the public.

If a household electrical appliance or a pet makes noises that disturb neighbors, he or she will be fined.

The municipal government also forbids company bosses from playing sound boxes or other noise-making equipment outdoors.

Another ban says that anti-theft alarms installed on motor vehicles should not hoot - especially for a long time, on non-theft conditions.

(Xinhua News Agency October 17, 2005)