广东拟出新规：茶位费需提前告知并明码标价

Core Viewpoint - Guangdong Province is proposing new regulations requiring tea service fees to be disclosed in advance and clearly marked, aiming to enhance transparency and consumer rights in the dining industry [2][26]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The draft "Integrity Pricing" guidelines for the catering industry in Guangdong require that any additional fees, such as service and tea service fees, must be clearly communicated to consumers before ordering [2][3]. - The guidelines aim to standardize the practice of charging tea service fees, which have expanded from traditional tea houses to various dining establishments, including hot pot restaurants and fast food outlets [7][12]. - The guidelines emphasize the obligations of restaurant operators to provide clear pricing and advance notice of any fees, reinforcing consumer protection [20][28]. Group 2: Consumer Concerns - Consumer dissatisfaction with tea service fees has been primarily due to a lack of transparency, mandatory charges regardless of tea consumption, and inconsistent pricing standards [14][16]. - The local market supervision authority has indicated that tea service fees are not government-regulated prices but are determined by market conditions, necessitating clear pricing and advance notice from operators [19][20]. Group 3: Legislative Developments - Local legislative efforts are underway to explore regulatory pathways for tea service fees, with plans to include "Guangzhou Early Tea Heritage Protection Regulations" in the 2025 legislative agenda [21][22]. - The draft regulations further clarify that early tea operators in Guangzhou must prominently display all charges and offer a variety of tea options for consumers [24][28]. - The feedback period for the draft guidelines is set to end on December 24, 2025, and aims to promote compliance among operators in various sectors, including retail and accommodation [29][31].