Police in Hoang Mai District in Hanoi have confiscated free iced tea put out for impoverished people during the recent bout of hot weather, locals saying the act was shameful.

A fruits vendor takes free iced tea in Hanoi

Since May this year, Tran Nam Anh’s family in Thinh Liet District, Hoang Mai District, and some their neighbourers offered boxes of free tea on the sidewalk for passers-by, including many poor labourers working on construction sites or on the streets on hot summer days.

But on July 27, the district police decided the act was a violation of urban order.

"We just want to give the poor labourers free water during hot days, not for any other purposes," Nam said.

"On really hot days, we'd spend around VND50,000 a box. These days when it is cool, we put out a 20-litre container of fresh water. We will continue providing free water for the poor."

The chairman of Hoang Mai District, Nguyen Quang Hieu, said the water was greatly appreciated and the act should be encouraged.

Hieu said confiscation of the iced drinks was thoughtless and urged local police not to think again.

Free iced tea is offered on Hanoi's Giai Phong, Hang Bong and Hang Trong streets.