Internet cafes have been officially banned from allowing entry to children under the age of 16, under a State Council statute which Xinhua News Agency was authorized to publish Friday.

According to the statute on the administration of Internet cafes, signed by Premier Zhu Rongji on September 29, owners of cyber cafes can operate only between the hours of 8:00 and 24:00, and visitors must not use cyber cafes to conduct illegal activities.

Offenders could receive a warning from government departments in charge of cultural affairs, and risk a fine of no more than 15,000 yuan (US$1,800), or have their licenses canceled, if the misconduct warrants, says the statute.

The statute comes into force on November 15, to replace a similar regulation that was jointly issued by the Ministry of Information Industry, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Culture, and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce on April 3, 2001.

(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2002)