FEWER old people are visiting a new restaurant which has been offering free meals to people over 70, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported yesterday.

　The restaurant, located at the southern entrance to Sihai Park in Shekou, opened August 11. All senior citizens, as long as they have the ID cards to show their age, can dine at the restaurant without paying, according to a novel promotion devised by the restaurant.

　Ms Long, the owner of the restaurant, came up with the idea because her mother was not with her. She decided to offer free meals to people over 70 as a means of showing filial respect to her mother. “There were at most more than 50 old people visiting our restaurant during the first week,” Ms Long said.Feeling uneasy and uncomfortable about having free meals is reportedly the reason why fewer old people now go to the restaurant.Granny Gui said she went to eat at the restaurant because it was convenient.

　However, she started to feel uncomfortable after dining there several times. You can’t always take free meals from others,” Granny Gui said.The restaurant’s practice has drawn suspicion from others in the trade. The operation of a restaurant could not last long without economic benefits, they argued.

　Ms Long said she would stick to her original idea, although she might make appropriate adaptations in the light of specific conditions. (Hu Zheye)