Price lists must be displayed before ordering; entertainment venues cannot charge “after the fact”

2. Price lists must be displayed before ordering; entertainment venues cannot charge “after the fact”

Cost: No cost at all. You simply need to request a price list. The tricky part is asking for it in front of others — it can feel a bit awkward.

In plain terms: By law, entertainment venues must display clear prices for all services and goods and proactively hand over a price list to customers. Most cases of “exorbitant drink charges” occur when patrons never see a price list and end up paying based on verbal quotes after the fact. Upon entering a private room, ask for a price list and take a photo of it. After placing your order, request a written confirmation. If a billing dispute arises, call 12315 right away.

Benefit: The regulation states: “Entertainment venues offering services or selling goods must display clear prices and provide a price list to consumers; they may not force or deceive customers into using services or buying products.” Violations of pricing laws are subject to legal penalties. The vast majority of disputes over “overpriced drinks” happen precisely under these circumstances — no price list is shown, and payment is demanded based on informal verbal agreements.

Evidence grade: A

Sources: State Council of China (2006). Regulations on the Management of Entertainment Places (National Order No. 458, Article 29, Article 53). <http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2008-03/28/content_6297.htm>

Notes: How to proceed: Upon entering a private room, request a price list — paper or digital, it doesn’t matter — and photograph it. After ordering, ask for a written confirmation of your order. For any “special cocktails” or fruit platters suggested by staff, always ask for the price before ordering. If a billing disagreement occurs, call 12315 immediately. Never pay in advance and then attempt to dispute the charge; once payment is made, proving your case becomes far more difficult.