China News Service, July 6th. According to the US "World Journal" report, recently on social media, the news that the outdoor dining area of ​​a long-established Chinese restaurant in the Sunset District of San Francisco was forcibly demolished has aroused heated discussion among netizens.

　　A reporter from the World Daily followed up and interviewed the person involved and the owner of the store, Mr. Yang.

He said that because of the epidemic, dine-in is not allowed. In August 2020, like other restaurants in San Francisco, the restaurant also built an outdoor dining area and obtained the government's construction permit. The validity period is until the end of 2021.

Unexpectedly, in May of this year, I received multiple demolition warnings from the San Francisco Municipal Public Utilities Bureau and Pacific Watt Electric Company (PG&E), stating that failure to dismantle will face fines and other penalties.

The reason is that the outdoor dining area after the demolition is to upgrade the underground pipeline.

　　After receiving the demolition warning, Mr. Yang was helpless.

He said that during the epidemic, private businesses were not taken care of by relevant government departments. The wood for the dining area alone cost more than US$6,000.

If the government forces the demolition without principle in this way, it will cause more difficulties for small businesses and businesses.

From the worst of the epidemic last year until now, this small outdoor dining shack has played a very important role in the operation of the entire restaurant.

　　Mr. Yang pointed out that Chinese food is just a hot meal. Although you can't eat in, you can sit down and eat nearby. This is also an important reason why many customers continue to patronize the restaurant during the epidemic.

After the outdoor dining area is demolished, it will affect at least 30% of the restaurant's business, which will make the restaurant's operation even worse.

　　He urged Chinese merchants to learn more about the surrounding environment and systems when building similar shanties, and not to waste manpower, material resources and time.

I hope that the majority of Chinatown businessmen can stay together to get warm and get through this difficult time.

　　As of press time, the reporter tried to contact the San Francisco City Hall and the relevant persons in charge of PE&G, but has not yet received a response.

(Li Yi)