Either society isn't yet harmonious enough, or the prospect of increased disharmony has increased to such a level Beijing has decided to take action. In Dalian the only places still open at 2am are KTVs, the odd nightclub, BBQ restaurant or bar, filled with either the very drunk or the very voracious, neither being particularly harmonious. The guys at Hopsctch Bar, source of the directive, were pleased to be able to get to sleep a bit sooner.

While increasing prices and Guo Jingjing's pregnancy may drive some to the drink, the main reason for this policy would likely be associated with the Olympics. The Government control development initiatives: the Forbidden City has been spruced up, the Great Wall patched (in easy to reach places) CCTV 9 filled with programs in sober voices about China's 20th Century struggle and 21st Century modernity-meets-tradition.

In seeking to portray itself as a rapidly developing country rich in culture, the Government perhaps want to avoid any association as a party or 18-30 resort. It doesn't want to become Ibiza, or worse, Pattaya, if it did, it would have happened already.

China is not alone in alcohol concern. Melboure is experimenting with a 2am lockout and the UK has for decades prevented bars from operating past 11pm, a law only now being relaxed. The US had prohibition and every weekend Swedes get ferries to Denmark seeking cheap plonk.

 Enforcement may also be selective. During the Davos meeting in Dalian during 2007 guests were explicitly asked "Are you with Davos?" to which, if the response was "yes", more adventerous seafood dishes were denied. Take care of visitors and keep them safe. Register them with 4 and 5 star hotels, have government officials working in the hotels during the Olympics. The PR of China is of concern to itself.

Pic: Nepalese Bar at Dawn, 2007.