The State Administration of Work Safety said on Tuesday that the use of fireworks is absolutely banned in public entertainment venues.

The government unit has also ordered a nationwide inspection into the safety of businesses, especially those such as karaoke bars, night clubs, hotels and shopping malls.

Businesses would be closed for safety improvements if they lacked an efficient fire-alarm and fire-fighting system.

Those found with blocked evacuation passages or exits would also be told to close.

In addition, entertainment venues built with highly flammable material such as plastic would also be stopped from opening to the public.

A nightclub fire in south China's Shenzhen city last Saturday left 43 people dead and many more injured. The fire was caused by fireworks used during a performance that ignited flammable materials in the ceiling.

(Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2008)