Japanese Restaurant Brand Manager Resigns Over Smoking Dispute

2016/05/18

Han Jing

Program Code: 0909346160505010 Source: Weibo

In a restaurant where smoking is banned, it is normal for diners to complaint if they find someone violating the rule. Let alone if a diner is pregnant.

However, how a manager of a Shanghai restaurant responded when asked not to smoke was beyond anyone's expectation.

In the end he got what he deserved.

Wang Lirong, brand manager of Akasakatei, a Japanese cuisine chain restaurant in Shanghai, treated about 20 of his clients at the restaurant’s Global Harbor branch on Friday.

Some of them started smoking and nearly six pregnant diners sitting next to them complained to the restaurant manager.

The manager on duty dissuaded them thrice but some still kept smoking. This included Wang himself, Shanghai Morning Post reported.

It all turned out in to an argument and Wang quarreled with a woman in purple with strong words.

The scene was shot in video and uploaded online. Thereafter, it caused massive fury online and Wang was under fire.

Later Wang apologized for his reckless behavior over smoking dispute and said he was too impulsive at that moment and regretted over his behavior after calming down. He submitted a letter of apology and resigned from his job.

You Zhongwang, chairman of Shanghai Akasakatei Investment Management Co Ltd said the company would work out punishment system as a response to the incident, the report said.

Wang’s Letter of Apology

On the evening of May 13, after work, I went to the restaurant with friends. It all started with my smoking which affected other customers having dinner there.
After the video of my wrongful act went online, I have been pondering self-accusation. More than 1,300 employees and their families behind have become victims because of me.
I grew up in a village and my father always taught me to be a dignified person. I have been steadfast in my work from grassroots till this day after graduation. I never thought of hurting anyone.
I sincerely apologize for my improper words and behaviors.
I apologize to the pregnant diners next to us, all customers in the restaurant, and the woman in purple I had argued with.
I apologize to the media and the public, and also to my colleagues and company.
I appreciate the woman in purple for stopping me from smoking in public.
I make a solemn promise that:
First, I will not smoke in public and ask everybody to follow the no-smoking rule.
Second, I will take part in the no-smoking events organized by the government.
Third, I will be more considerate about pregnant women around me.
Finally, I have already resigned from the company to regret my behavior.

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Japanese Restaurant Brand Manager Resigns Over Smoking Dispute

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