Odd thing I noticed in Hong Kong

TrueDub

Hi,

I'm just back from Hong Kong, and spotted something odd in a couple of restaurants. I couldn't figure it out.

In 2 of the restos we went to (locals-type places), there were people at other tables with these covers over the back of their chairs. The covers had an add for Union Pay on them, but I don't think that was the purpose. Not everyone had these covers, and it wasn't gender-specific either.

Could someone enlighten me? Were they simply to protect jackets from spills, or was there some other significance?

zjmajm

those are only chairs covers(for cleaning). My guess is they got them for free from Union pay as sign in a cash terminal, but not enough to cover all the chairs.

pauldla

I've seen them used in places here to protect jackets from spills, as you say. I haven't seen ads on them before, but it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest: every other surface seems to have Andy Lau or Eric Tsang grinning in happy endorsement of some product or service.

apintpls

protection from pickpocketing. The cover is widely used in restaurants in mainland China.