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]