Restaurant charges customers for ‘clean air’
Since heavy smog hit northern China recently, masks and air cleaners have been selling well. Customers at a restaurant in Zhangjiagang city, Jiangsu Province, however were surprised when an additional item was added to their bill. A one yuan (0.15 USD) charge for an “air cleaning fee” for each person without exception.
After many people complained to the local Price Bureau, the restaurant was notified that it was an illegal charge. The restaurant bought air filters initially to improve the dinning environment, they then added the extra fee to cover the cost of the purifier.
An official of the local Price Bureau (a local government department) at Zhangjiagang city said that air is a natural resource which humans depends on to live. Customers have to breath in the restaurant and it’s the catering company’s obligation to provide a healthy environment. Since customers haven’t asked to purchase “purified air”, the restaurant owner couldn’t sell clean air as a commodity, according to the Beijing Morning Post.
The restaurateur asked for the “air cleaning fee” due to a lack of knowledge of pricing policy, he had thought they could charge whatever they like for any services they provided, said the official at the local Price Bureau.
The news story has received considerable comments on China’s social media.
“Hello, I want two cups of fresh air and one fried chicken leg please!”@27.38 squibs at Netease Forum.
“I recommend we should open air cleaning factories and sell clean air. It’s a big deal.” @shouxujingling commented at Netease Forum.
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