Da Nang police are investigating a claim that a Chinese man burned a Vietnamese currency bill at a bar in the central city Tuesday.

A spokesperson for TV Club, who asked to remain unnamed, said the incident occurred at around 11 p.m. when a group of Chinese guests quarreled with the waitresses.

They wanted to pay in yuan, claiming they had spent all Vietnamese money, he said.

“However, after paying in yuan, a Chinese man suddenly produced a VND200,000 bill, lit it and threw it at a waitress before quickly leaving in a taxi.”

Tran Chi Cuong, deputy director of the Da Nang Tourism Department, said his agency is working with local travel agents to identify the man to inform the police.

Destroying a currency bill entails a fine of up to VND15 million (US$672).