MONTREAL The Quebec government is in the process of drafting a bill that aims to address the issue of no-shows at restaurants. The proposed legislation would permit restaurants to impose charges on individuals who reserve tables but fail to show up without cancelling in advance. This initiative comes as a direct response to ongoing complaints from restaurant owners who have long sought measures to mitigate their financial losses attributed to no-shows.
According to the details shared regarding the bill, restaurants would have the authority to charge a fee of up to $10 per person for no-shows. However, this charge would only be applicable for reservations made for groups of five or more individuals. Notably, the bill stipulates that restaurateurs cannot enforce the fee if at least one person from the group appears for their reservation. This nuance in the legislation highlights the government’s effort to find a balanced approach that protects both dining establishments and patrons.
Martin Vézina, a representative from an association advocating for Quebec restaurateurs, has expressed his support for the government’s initiative. However, he has suggested that the proposed no-show fee be increased to $20 and be applicable to smaller groups with fewer than five diners. This recommendation underscores the financial pressures facing restaurants and the desire for increased flexibility in enforcing cancellation policies.
In an effort to facilitate communication and reduce the likelihood of no-shows, the proposed bill also includes provisions that would allow diners to cancel their reservations without incurring a fee if they provide notice at least three hours in advance. Furthermore, restaurants would be mandated to send reminders to guests regarding their reservations within a time frame of six to 48 hours prior to the scheduled dining time. This measure aims to enhance the overall dining experience while reducing the strain on restaurant operations.
This legislative move has sparked discussions within the community about the broader implications for the dining industry in Quebec. With the hospitality sector continuing to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government’s proposal is seen as a timely intervention that could provide necessary support to restaurant owners. The ongoing push for legislative changes reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by the restaurant industry, particularly in managing reservations and customer expectations.
As the Quebec government continues to refine the details of this proposed bill, stakeholders within the restaurant sector will be closely monitoring its progression. The proposed changes, if enacted, could set a precedent for similar measures in other regions and may influence how restaurants across Canada handle no-shows moving forward.
