Honest Xi'an diners return to pay quake disturbed meal bills

Tuesday evening's 7.0 magnitude earthquake in south west China hit as many people were eating out at restaurants across the province.

About 40 out of 80 restaurants in SAGA Shopping Mall in Xi'an lost money due to the quake. [Photo: VCG]

Naturally enough, many fled their dinner tables to seek safety. But that left hundreds of restaurants out of pocket as customers hurriedly left without finishing the meals which had already been prepared, or paying their bills.

The SAGA International Shopping Mall in Xi'an, in Shaanxi Province, estimated that its 80 or so restaurants lost more than 60,000 yuan (about 9800 US Dollars) as a result of the quake.

"Some customers got scared and rushed out without paying," says Cao Jiandong, the manager of one restaurant, "We lost 7,000 yuan from 30 bills." 

Most of shops say they understood the need to "escape". "In an emergency, our priority is to evacuate the restaurant and ensure the safety of customers," said one waiter at a Shaanxi cuisine restaurant. 

But many businesses are reporting that some customers have come back to pay for their earthquake disturbed meal, with staff at one crayfish restaurant saying that diners have been calling them to ask how to pay their bill online.

One man came back the next morning after the quake to pay 190 yuan. [Photo: VCG]

"Citizens have high quality and strong awareness of integrity," said Cao Jiandong.

According to the mall's manager, there were no casualties despite the huge crowds, which is the most comforting thing. Li Juanni, who saw the emergency unfold, says she was moved by the actions of the shop keepers and restaurant. 

Many people have praised the actions of the restaurants and customers online, with one expert saying the incident showed an increased awareness of moral integrity and level of civilization in Xi'an, which is a credit to the strengthening civil society.

One problem has emerged however, with some now wondering what happens to those customers who didn't get to finish their meals. Some say that they should pay their bills regardless, with others suggesting shops and businesses should offer discounts to encourage integrity and to boost trade.