On 12/9, the Huangpu District People's Court in Shanghai ruled against two 17-year-old boys, surnamed Duong and Ngo, for urinating in a hot pot at a popular Shanghai restaurant and filming the act. The incident occurred in a private dining room during a meal.

Ngo posted the video online a few days later.

The restaurant subsequently issued an apology, stating that all pots, pans, and utensils on the affected table were discarded and replaced, and the area thoroughly disinfected.

The video shared by the two teenagers caused an uproar online. Photo: Hk01

However, as the incident occurred 12 days prior to its discovery, an estimated 4,000 groups of customers had dined at the restaurant during that period and may have used the contaminated hot pot. The restaurant pledged to compensate affected patrons tenfold.

The restaurant then sued the two teenagers and their parents for damages. The 2.2 million CNY fine represents only about one-tenth of the estimated compensation paid to customers.

The court also ordered the boys and their parents to issue a public apology in court-designated newspapers, while allowing them to maintain their anonymity.

The court found that the teenagers' actions severely damaged the restaurant's hygiene image and reputation, significantly impacting its business.

According to the court, the two teens were aware that the video could go viral and have negative social consequences if released publicly. Yet, they still chose to post it openly. This demonstrated their subjective fault, constituting an infringement on public property and defamation.

However, the court stated that the tenfold compensation was a business decision made by the company, and the court could not fully uphold it. Therefore, the court set the fine at a reasonable cost based on invoices and compensation amounts, totaling 2.2 million CNY.

Following the verdict, netizens commented that the compensation was too lenient, suggesting it should have been "at least eight figures." Others jokingly called it the "most expensive urination in history." Many also believed that the boys, being over 17, should face stricter penalties.

Hai Thu (HK01, World Journal)