TOKYO - Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials say "customer harassment" of service staff and other workers is a growing problem across the capital.
They're considering an ordinance that would provide a clear definition of abusive and unreasonable demands in a bid to deter potential offenders.
An advisory panel of experts has provided the Tokyo government with a working definition of customer harassment. They say it includes "assault, intimidation and other unlawful acts, or unreasonable behavior -- such as verbal abuse and excessive demands -- that harm workplace environments."
The metropolitan government is also considering providing examples in guidelines to accompany the law.
One example would involve a situation where a confectioner puts the wrong name on a birthday cake. In this case, a demand for excessive compensation would amount to abusive behavior. Politely requesting a refund would not.
