'The move aims to better govern the military according to the law and maintain a good image of the air force with strict measures', Xinhua news agency quoted an air force source as saying.

Under the new rules, which took effect on Monday, air force officers and soldiers may face 'demerit, demotion or the sack' for drinking alcohol at lunch on working days.

It was the first time the air force had 'formally ordered' its personnel to stay away from alcohol, the China News Service said.

The rules are also aimed at drinking and driving. 'Officers would be demoted or dismissed, while soldiers were to face demerit if caught driving after drinking', Xinhua said.

Digital breathalyzers were being installed in sentry boxes and posts at parking lots, aimed at stricter monitoring.

A ban on Communist Party officials and civil servants drinking alcohol at lunch on work days, introduced in January last year, led to complaints from restaurants who suffered a big hit to their business. -- REUTERS