DUSHANBE, July 2, 2009, Asia-Plus – Officials in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe have banned alcohol consumption, skateboards, and roller-blading/skating in public places, RFE/RL''s Tajik Service reported on July 1.

Shavkat Saidov, a spokesman for the Dushanbe mayor''s office, said people will not be allowed to drink alcohol on the streets, on pubic transport, or in parks and stadiums. He added that being inebriated in public is also forbidden.

Saidov said that the ban on skateboards and roller-blading/skating in public places is to help avoid problems for pedestrians and street traffic.

The Dushanbe city administration also banned whistling and the playing of loud music from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the capital. Violators will be fined.