Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao has announced compensation for diners who visited one of its busiest Shanghai branches following a disturbing incident where two customers were captured on video urinating into their hotpot broth. The incident reportedly took place on February 24, but the restaurant was only made aware of it four days later.
In response to the outcry, Haidilao issued an apology on social media and reassured patrons that all hotpot equipment and utensils had been replaced and disinfected. The restaurant acknowledged the distress caused and stated, “We fully understand that the distress caused to our customers by this incident cannot be fully compensated for by any means, but we will do our utmost to take responsibility.”
Diners who visited the establishment from February 24 to March 8 are being offered refunds, along with cash compensation amounting to ten times their original bill, as reported by the BBC.
Local authorities have detained two 17-year-old males in connection with the incident, as confirmed by the Shanghai police. Amid the fallout, Haidilao is making concerted efforts to restore customer confidence and address the situation.