LAYING DOWN THE LAW ...

IGNS on shops and in hotels and slogans on vans have caused some amusement in recent weeks. Dave Heaton, of Lindley, found this list of“prohibitions” he was given a couple of years ago when visiting China for a nephew’s wedding.

“The following articles, which may be a nuisance to other guests, cannot be brought into the hotel: animals and birds (as pets), articles that make disturbing noises, explosives and inflammable articles such as gunpowder and gasoline, durian.”

Durian, explains Dave, is a fruit that tastes delicious but makes a terrible stink when cut open. And the list goes on: “Creating a disturbance in the hotel which annoys other guests is not permitted. Gambling is prohibited on the hotel premises. Removal of fixtures and equipment is prohibited and guests should refrain from using the fixtures and equipment for activity other than intended purposes.”

What on earth had previous guests been doing?

“You are kindly requested not to exit your room if you are barefooted or in underwear. Cooking in guest rooms or any other areas in the hotel is not permitted. Any damage to hotel property as a result of cooking in the guest rooms will be charged to the guest.”

As Dave says: “Makes the rules at Premier Inns et al, seem a little mundane.”