On 8/7, tourist Du Thanh Hang posted on social media, accusing Bien Bac seafood restaurant, located in the Hau Can area of Bai Chay Ward, of "price gouging". Her post included a photo of the bill for a lunch on 8/7 for a group of 23 adults and 8 children, totaling 27,143 million VND.
The bill detailed high prices for several items: shrimp at 1,55 million VND/kg, fish at 750.000 VND/kg, crab at 1,15 million VND/kg, and 4 portions of steamed Thai clams costing 1,92 million VND.
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Bill for a meal over 27 million VND posted by tourist Du Thanh Hang. Photo: Du Thanh Hang |
Bill for a meal over 27 million VND posted by tourist Du Thanh Hang. Photo: Du Thanh Hang
Upon receiving the complaint, an inter-agency inspection team for the tourism business environment of Bai Chay Ward was formed on 10/7. The team, comprising: Market Management Team No. 5, the Ward Police, the Culture - Social Affairs Department, and the Health Station, conducted an on-site inspection of Bien Bac restaurant.
Through camera footage review and physical inspection, authorities noted that the restaurant possessed a business registration certificate, a food safety and hygiene certificate, sales contracts, and its staff underwent regular health check-ups. The restaurant's scales also provided accurate weights.
However, the inspection uncovered several violations. The restaurant's menu lacked specific, real-time price listings for certain dishes with daily fluctuating prices. Furthermore, the fresh seafood counter area completely lacked any price listings.
Additional issues included clogged and uncovered drainage ditches in the processing area. The restaurant also lacked separate tools for processing and storing raw and cooked food, and failed to comply with regulations on the three-step food inspection process.
As a result of these violations, the People's Committee of Bai Chay Ward issued an administrative fine to Do Trong Cuong, the owner of Bien Bac restaurant. A representative of the inter-agency inspection team stated they had directly contacted tourist Du Thanh Hang to inform her of the inspection's findings. Ms. Hang expressed agreement and trust in the results of the investigation.
In the coming period, ward authorities affirmed they would strengthen supervision and strictly handle tourism service businesses that violate regulations. This initiative aims to protect tourists' rights and preserve Bai Chay tourism's image as civilized, safe, and hospitable.
Le Tan
