火锅店收“辛苦费”！当地通报

Core Viewpoint - A hotpot restaurant in Chongqing has been charging customers an additional "hardship fee" ranging from 10 to 20 yuan per person, which has raised concerns about pricing practices and regulatory compliance [3][10]. Group 1: Incident Overview - A customer reported being charged a "hardship fee" for both children and adults during a visit to the hotpot restaurant [1][8]. - The Chongqing Banan District Market Supervision Administration confirmed that the restaurant's practice of charging this fee was largely accurate and has ordered the restaurant to cease this additional charge [3][10]. Group 2: Fee Structure - The restaurant charged 20 yuan per person during dinner, 10 yuan for children and elderly, and 15 yuan during lunch [6][12]. - The restaurant's management stated that this fee was part of a new business model where food and drinks are sold at cost price, with the "hardship fee" being their only source of income [6][12]. Group 3: Regulatory Response - The market supervision department emphasized the need for transparent pricing and adherence to market regulations, indicating that the collection of "hardship fees" may violate existing laws [3][10]. - Consumers have been advised that they can refuse to pay such fees if encountered in the future [6][12].