Illegal barbecue operators

Unlicensed barbecue activity near the Shahe Reservoir in Changping district was spotted during the May Day holidays, the Beijing News reported.

Despite banners reading "No Barbecue and Camping," people still pitched tents and cooked food on grills near the reservoir; consumers paid 50 yuan ($7.99) to enter the illegally enclosed area to eat barbecue. The business was run by outdoor fishing providers who charge 100 yuan to fish in the ponds. A staffer at the Shahe Reservoir management office said the barbecue operators were not their employees, and that patrols will be increased. "The number of people barbecuing near the reservoir has increased in past years, after the environment and ecosystem in the area improved. But such activities create difficulties for us in dealing with the garbage left behind," he said.