Two teenagers in China have been ordered to pay a hefty 2.2 million yuan (about RM1.45 million) after urinating into a pot of broth at a Haidilao hotpot restaurant in Shanghai.
The incident took place in February and caused nationwide outrage after the 17-year-olds posted a video of their drunken prank online. Although there’s no evidence anyone consumed the contaminated broth, Haidilao — China’s largest hotpot chain — compensated thousands of customers who had dined at the branch in the days following the stunt.
In March, the company sought more than 23 million yuan (about RM15 million) in damages, covering refunds, compensation and other costs linked to the scandal.
Last Friday, a Shanghai court ruled that the teenagers had violated the catering companies’ property rights and reputation through “acts of insult.” The court said the contamination of tableware and public disgust justified compensation. It also found that the boys’ parents failed in their duty of guardianship and must share liability for the damages.
The payout includes 2 million yuan (RM1.32 million) for operational and reputational losses, 130,000 yuan (RM86,000) for tableware replacement and cleaning expenses, and 70,000 yuan (RM46,000) in legal fees. However, the court ruled that additional “goodwill” payments Haidilao made to customers beyond their bills were a voluntary business decision and could not be charged to the teens.
Haidilao says it refunded and compensated over 4,000 diners who visited the restaurant between 24 February — the day of the incident — and 8 March. It also replaced all hotpot equipment and carried out full cleaning and disinfection.
Founded in Sichuan province, Haidilao has grown to more than 1,000 restaurants worldwide and is famous for its over-the-top customer service, including free manicures and candy floss for kids while they wait.
