Two Teenagers in China Were Ordered to Pay 2.2 Million Yuan for Urinating in a Hot Pot at Haidilao

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[People News] In February of this year, two 17-year-old boys dined in a private room at the well-known hot pot chain Haidilao, where they stood on the table and urinated into the hot pot. They recorded the entire act and uploaded it to social media, which sparked outrage among netizens. In response, Haidilao sought compensation from the two. On September 12, the Huangpu District Court in Shanghai issued a ruling, ordering the boys and their parents to publicly apologise in a newspaper and to pay a total of 2.2 million yuan.

The People's Court of Huangpu District, Shanghai, delivered a first-instance ruling on the sensational Haidilao 'urination incident' on the 12th. The ruling stated that Tang (Tang) and his parents, along with Wu (Wu) and his parents, must apologise to Haidilao in designated newspapers while ensuring the privacy of minors is protected. Furthermore, the two must compensate Haidilao for the cost of damaged utensils and cleaning and disinfection fees amounting to 130,000 yuan, as well as 2 million yuan for business losses and damage to reputation, plus 70,000 yuan in litigation costs, bringing the total to 2.2 million yuan. If Tang and Wu have personal assets, they are required to pay the compensation from their own property, and any shortfall will be covered by their parents.

Following the ruling, netizens shared their thoughts, stating, 'This reduction in business reputation is a very light compensation; if we were to be serious, it should be at least eight digits.' 'These kinds of unruly kids should not be let off easily; the cost must be significant enough for them to learn a lesson.' 'So far, this should be the most expensive urination, right?' 'The media estimates that Haidilao lost at least 10 million in customer compensation, yet they were only awarded 2.2 million; Haidilao still suffered a huge loss.'

According to a report by The Paper, the court's ruling clearly states that being a minor is not a valid excuse for illegal actions, nor does it absolve one of responsibility. This case serves as a reminder to all parents that if they neglect their guardianship duties, the law will intervene to enforce discipline. 'If parents do not manage their children, the law will; if parents do not educate them, society will; if parents do not understand, the court will ensure they do.'

Notably, following the incident, Haidilao offered a compensation policy of 'refund one, compensate ten' to 4,109 customers. However, the court ruled that this was a voluntary business decision by the company and not directly linked to the tortious behaviour, and therefore, it was excluded from the compensation considerations.

In the early hours of February 24 this year, a 17-year-old boy named Tang and another 17-year-old boy named Wu were dining in a private room at the Haidilao restaurant located in Shanghai's Bund area. After consuming alcohol, the two climbed onto the dining table, urinated into the hot pot, and filmed the act to share online, which ignited widespread public outrage.
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