Just two weeks after launching a service that lets users find people to drink alcohol for them, a Chinese company decided to cease operations over regulation concerns.
Founded in 2011, eDaijia, based in Beijing, introduced eDaihe, which means “to drink on behalf of,” on Dec. 28, 2017. The service allows users to find surrogate drinkers based on location and drinking capacity as well as their personal introduction.
According to the company, more than 100,000 people signed up to become surrogate drinkers in the first 24 hours.
The service was reportedly set in time for China’s long holiday season.
“Most people who drink are social animals, so we thought why don’t we launch a surrogate drinking service to help them make friends,” company spokesman He Dongpeng told the South China Morning Post.
The fact that drinking has long been considered a vital social skill in China affirmed eDaihe’s value. Refusing a drink, for instance, can be considered disrespectful and cost one his/her career.
This is why surrogate drinkers must be shocked when the service disappeared on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
“The service is not in line with the core socialist values. It doesn’t have enough positive energy. We will be punished [by the authorities] if we get more media attention,” He Dongpeng told the outlet in another article.
eDaijia’s anxiety likely stems from the absence of age restrictions for those who want to become surrogate drinkers. No assessment was also set upon application. Drinkers, not the company, are reportedly responsible in the event of accidents.
In commentary, state newspaper People’s Daily lashed out at eDaihe, penning on Monday, Jan. 8 (translation via Sixth Tone):
“From the perspective of juridical sensibility, all of the diners might have to bear legal responsibility for any accident that happens at the table. If this business happens through [eDaihe’s] platform, how can they wash their hands of it?”
What do you think of surrogate drinking? Do you approve of such service?
