Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the cultural significance and ongoing debate surrounding the tea service charge (tea fee) in Guangdong, highlighting its historical roots and the mixed reactions from both locals and tourists [3][5][9]. Group 1: Historical Context - The tea fee originated from Guangdong's early tea culture, dating back to the Qing Dynasty, where establishments charged a small fee for tea service, evolving into a customary practice in tea houses [9][10]. - The concept of tea fee has transformed over time, with tea houses becoming social gathering places, necessitating a fee for occupying space [10][11]. Group 2: Current Practices and Reactions - Recent data from the Guangdong Provincial Culture and Tourism Department indicates a significant increase in tourist visits, with 65.176 million visitors during the recent holiday, which may amplify discussions around local customs like the tea fee [3]. - A survey by the Guangzhou Consumer Council revealed that 99% of respondents have been charged a tea fee, with 77% considering it unreasonable, prompting calls for standardization or elimination of such fees [17]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - The tea fee is viewed by many locals as a traditional practice that is intertwined with the social fabric of Guangdong, where drinking tea is a daily necessity for many [11][19]. - The article emphasizes that the tea fee reflects a broader cultural identity, with the practice of "dim sum" and tea drinking being deeply embedded in the lifestyle of Guangdong residents [19][25]. Group 4: Future Considerations - There are differing opinions on whether the tea fee should be maintained or abolished, with some suggesting that market forces should dictate its relevance, while others advocate for a return to its original purpose as a tea service charge [15][18]. - The evolving preferences of younger generations, who may not adhere to traditional tea drinking habits, suggest a potential shift in how tea culture and associated fees are perceived in the future [21][22].

茶位费争议的核心表面上是茶位费该不该收、该怎么收，实质上则是对消费者知情权与选择权的尊 重，这既是保障消费者权益的基石，也是餐饮行业必须遵循的商业道德底线。我国消费者权益保护法第 10条规定，消费者享有公平交易的权利，有权拒绝经营者的强制交易行为。涉事大排档未提前告知收费 标准、未标注儿童减免规则，尤其是向未实际消费服务的婴儿强制收取茶位费的行为，本质上是商家滥 用"行业惯例"牟取不当利益，已涉嫌侵犯消费者的公平交易权与自主选择权。 值得注意的是，针对茶位费乱象，有关部门并非没有行动。近年来，佛山、中山等地市场监管部门 和消委会多次发告诫函与消费提示，要求商家明码标价、提前告知、自愿选择，不得强制收取茶位费。 可部分商家依旧我行我素，或用小字隐藏标准，或以"行业惯例"拒绝减免，甚至对质疑者态度强硬。乱 象难根治，一是商家心存侥幸，觉得小额收费没人计较。二是消费者常因"维权难、怕麻烦"选择沉默， 给了商家违规收费空间。 近日，广东汕尾一家海鲜大排档再现"茶位费刺客"，引发公众对餐饮隐性收费的关注。消费者黄女 士投诉称，她与家人一行13人就餐，5名儿童竟全部被按照成人标准收取茶位费，其中8个月大的婴儿不 仅不能吃 ...

Group 1 - The Guangzhou Municipal People's Congress has included the "Guangzhou Early Tea Inheritance and Protection Regulations" in its 2025 legislative work plan, which has sparked widespread discussion [1] - A survey titled "Guangzhou Early Tea Inheritance Protection Questionnaire" has been released to gather public opinions on various topics related to early tea, including "tea seat fees," "pre-made dishes," and "designated smoking areas" [1] - The survey aims to collect data for legislative analysis and is designed by the Legal Work Committee of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Congress [1] Group 2 - Attitudes towards the tea seat fee vary, with many tea houses in Guangzhou charging fees based on tea type and seating location, ranging from a few yuan to over ten yuan per person [2] - The tea seat fee is viewed as a "basic service fee" or "entrance fee," which compensates for the cost of tea, utensils, and seating, particularly in the context of the low average spending in early tea culture [2] - Older consumers are generally more accepting of the tea seat fee, while younger consumers are more sensitive to its pricing and may choose other dining options if the cost is perceived as high [2] Group 3 - The questionnaire includes a question on whether respondents agree with the practice of charging tea seat fees, aiming to gauge public sentiment on this pricing model [3] - Some tourists express willingness to pay the tea seat fee but find it expensive when combined with the cost of tea and snacks, which can range from tens to hundreds of yuan [3] - Properly setting the tea seat fee can be a legitimate pricing strategy as long as it is transparently communicated and does not replace minimum consumption requirements [3] Group 4 - Traditional tea houses in Guangzhou often maintain a model of handwritten orders and freshly made dishes, while chain brands may innovate with pre-made or semi-finished products to improve efficiency [4] - Customers generally prefer freshly made dim sum for better taste, although some tea houses manage the timing of pre-made dishes to ensure quality [4] - The early tea industry is rapidly evolving towards standardization and chain operations, with many businesses adopting central kitchen systems to address rising labor costs and improve service efficiency [8] Group 5 - Some tea houses impose dining time limits to manage customer flow, with discounts offered during different time slots to balance traffic [9] - Consumers are generally accepting of time limits as long as they are communicated upfront, reflecting a balance between customer experience and operational efficiency [9] - From a legal perspective, restaurants can set reasonable dining time limits as long as they are clearly communicated before customers are seated, which is common in high-turnover dining environments [12]