What happens when a drunken prank crosses the line?
In Shanghai, two 17-year-olds found out the hard way after peeing into a pot of broth at a Haidilao hotpot restaurant — and then posting the video online.
The fallout was swift. China’s most famous hotpot chain rushed to reassure diners, refunding thousands and replacing equipment at the branch.
But behind the scenes, Haidilao and another catering company sued.
They sought millions in damages for lost reputation, disinfection costs and shattered trust.
Last week, a Shanghai court ruled the teens had “infringed upon property rights” and “caused strong discomfort among the public.”
Teens Pay Huge Hotpot Bill
The bill? A staggering 2.2 million yuan ($309,000). Their parents — cited for failing their duty of guardianship — must pay up.
Still, the court drew a line: extra compensation Haidilao voluntarily handed to customers wouldn’t count toward the teens’ liability.
Legal analysts say the verdict signals a tougher stance on pranks that damage businesses’ reputations.
Haidilao, which started as a small Sichuan eatery and now runs over 1,000 restaurants worldwide, prides itself on spotless service.
Think free manicures for women and candy floss for kids.
The case shows how a single viral stunt can boil over into one of China’s most expensive “practical jokes” yet.
