Consumer council sues over heightbased tickets

THE consumer council of Guangdong Province has initiated public interest litigation against Chimelong Group, a leading amusement park operator, for basing discounts for minors on height.

The Intermediate People’s Court of Guangzhou accepted the case this week, which is believed to be China’s first public interest litigation on the consumer rights protection of minors.

The consumer council’s inquiry began in August last year.

It found that the group’s Chimelong Paradise, Chimelong Safari Park, Chimelong Water Park and Chimelong Birds Park offers ticket discounts to minors based on their height, and Chimelong International Circus refused to offer ticket discounts to all minors.

According to Chinese law, all citizens under the age of 18 have the right to enjoy ticket discounts in places such as zoos and parks or for travel activities, which should not be affected by their height.

The height-based discount is a long-standing policy in many parks. The consumer council claimed that it violated the legitimate rights of minors who are taller than their counterparts.

It requested the court order Chimelong Group to stop its unfair activities, offer due discounts to all underage consumers and make an apology in major newspapers.

(Xinhua)