"Objectively speaking, sales of high-end liquor including Moutai have been affected after the 'eight rules' were proposed by the new leadership. But the liquor industry in Zunyi is still growing."

Yu Ling, deputy mayor of Zunyi in Guizhou province, speaking at a news conference on Thursday. The country's top leaders have ordered officials to reduce meetings and exercise frugality in a campaign known as the "eight rules". Moutai, produced in Zunyi, is one of the nation's top luxury liquor brands and is often served on official occasions.