Updated 8:30am 23 April 2012

Chinese toll of ‘official’ drinking

MASSIVE drinking bouts at work-related Chinese functions are taking their toll on the country’s executives.

One died and another is in a coma after banquets where Bai jiu, the potent rice liquor, is a permanent presence for official toasts.

Professor Li Changyan, of Peking University, said: “Drinking with official guests is considered part of the job.”

Banquets are a mandatory exercise in welcoming VIPs and covered by government funds.

Share