Beijing to Implement Real-Name System for Purchase of Kitchen Knives?

There have recently been reports that certain supermarkets in Beijing have implemented the Real-Name System for the purchase of kitchen knives. At these stores, when purchasing a knife, customers will now be required to first show their ID card at the check-out, register their full name and explain the purpose of the knife. Many supermarkets around the city have yet to adopt this new regulation, and the Beijing Public Security Department has yet to comment on the matter. Regardless, these reports have spurred widespread discussion of the topic online, with many netizens noting that it should not be necessary to register the knives’ “purpose”, as everyone uses kitchen knives to cut fruits and vegetables; others are annoyed at how inconvenient this new regulation will make their shopping experience.

See also: Beijing Plans to Continue Number Plate Restriction Measures