Limits will be placed on the number of visitors allowed in crowded public places in Beijing like shopping malls, restaurants, entertainment venues and sports venues from April 1.
Vice-mayor Lu Hao announced news of the new public safety regulation when he attended a broadcast program on Wednesday.
The new regulation also requires shops greater than 10,000 square meters in area to place 50 security guards on duty during sales promotions. All public places must also have emergency lighting and exit signs.
In preparation for the 2008 Olympics, Beijing authorities have also ordered all busy public places in the city offer English service for foreign visitors.
(CRI March 2, 2007)