Beijing - Pilots serving in China's air force are banned from drinking alcohol with their lunch when at work, according to new regulations in force since Monday.

Soldiers flaunting the ban are threatened with demerit, demotion or dismissal, the official Xinhua news agency said.

The teetotal duty for officers serving in China's air force was to improve the image and the leadership of the troop, the agency reported.

Offenders are to be detected using breathalyzers set up in sentries and posts at parking lots.

Soldiers causing an accident leading to casualties or serious injury of several people will have to expect prosecution or being sent to a re-education camp.

According to Chinese law, drivers must have zero blood alcohol. (dpa)