Chez Xue restaurant, located south of San Francisco, California, is drawing public attention with its policy requiring parents to compensate up to 327 USD for their children's disruptive behavior on the premises.

You You Xue, the restaurant's owner, stated he implemented this policy after repeatedly witnessing children running, screaming, and causing disorder in the restaurant without parental intervention.

"Waitstaff are forced to take on the role of babysitters. That is not the job of restaurant staff", Xue said, adding that some families today are too lenient in their parenting. "If I had behaved like some children do now when I was young, my parents would certainly have punished me severely".

You You Xue, owner of two restaurants south of San Francisco. Photo: CA Post

Upon entering the restaurant and scanning a QR code to view the menu, a notification appears stating, "Please control your children". The restaurant prohibits children from running around, screaming, or making noise with knives, forks, and other eating utensils, warning that these behaviors "will not be accepted".

The notice specifies that guests may be asked to leave the restaurant if they do not comply with the rules, and parents will be held responsible for any damage caused by their children.

You You Xue's restaurant has also publicized several incidents: one child dropped a credit card reader, breaking its screen, for which the family compensated 327,03 USD; another child used cutlery to scratch a tabletop, resulting in parents being charged an additional 109,38 USD. A family also paid an extra 5,47 USD after their child broke a teacup at the restaurant.

Xue stated the policy was implemented last year but only gained widespread attention on social media in June. He feels public reaction has been generally positive, though some comments suggested charging for a broken teacup was too strict.

Inside You You Xue's Chez Xue restaurant in Foster City, California. Photo: Instagram/Youyouxue

The restaurant owner affirmed that diners will not be charged if accidents are entirely unintentional. The policy primarily aims to remind adults Xue considers "irresponsible", rather than targeting children.

"We don't blame the children. I am proud that this is a restaurant where all families are welcome", he said. "We just want to remind a few parents to fulfill their responsibilities so we can do our job well."

After the policy circulated on social media, many expressed support, arguing that a restaurant is not a playground and parents need to be more responsible in managing their children. Xue noted that since the notice was posted, disruptive behavior by children at the restaurant has significantly decreased.

"I believe this story has sparked a significant discussion. Respecting the restaurant and other diners, and not turning this place into a children's playground, is quite normal", Xue said.