Chinese teens urinate in soup at a popular Haidilao hotpot restaurant in Shanghai. The shocking act has now cost them and their parents 2.2 million yuan ($309,000).
The incident happened in February at Haidilao, China’s largest hotpot chain. The teenagers, both 17 years old, filmed themselves while urinating into a pot of broth. Later, they posted the video online. The clip quickly went viral and created public anger across the country.
Last Friday, a Shanghai court ruled that the two teens had violated property rights and damaged the company’s reputation. The court also said their parents failed in their duty of guardianship. They were ordered to pay the full compensation.
The payment includes 2 million yuan for operational and reputational losses. Another 130,000 yuan was ordered for tableware replacement and cleaning. In addition, 70,000 yuan must be paid for legal costs.
Haidilao had already given refunds and extra cash to more than 4,000 customers who dined at the same branch after the incident. But the court said this extra payment was a voluntary business decision. It would not be charged to the teenagers.
Haidilao is known for its customer-friendly service. Guests often enjoy free snacks, manicures, and candy floss while waiting. The chain now has more than 1,000 restaurants worldwide.
The Chinese teens urinate in soup case has become a strong warning about reckless behavior and its heavy legal costs.
