Eight civil servants in Miluo, Hunan province, have been punished for playing mahjong at work, Xinhua reported on Saturday.

On Oct 12, the eight, including the deputy director of the city's grain bureau and the deputy director of its commerce bureau, were found by a disciplinary inspection team playing mahjong in an entertainment lounge during working hours.

A circular issued by the city government said the 8 officials broke disciplinary rules, and were suspended from work for 6 months. The bureaus concerned were also criticized.