In the lead-up to the advent of Chinese Lunar New Year on Jan 24, Phnom Penh

municipal authorities announced new measures aimed at beautifying the city. Officials

introduced a new, voluntary house painting plan as well as a ban on the use of awnings

by cafes and restaurants on Sisowath Quay. The awning dictate follows other attempts

to regulate street vendors and the right of riverside establishments to have outdoor

chairs and tables. All such regulations have been criticized by riverside business

people as illogical and counterproductive.