Effective rules implemented in Quebec permit restaurants to impose fees on no-shows
The restaurant industry in Quebec is experiencing a significant change with the introduction of no-show fees, effective from Thursday. This new rule aims to address the issue of reservation no-shows, which, according to the Canadian restaurant industry association, has been a unique problem in Quebec.
The average Quebec eatery loses approximately $49,000 per year due to no-shows, a financial burden that the new rule seeks to alleviate. Restaurants can now charge a fee (up to $10) for reservation no-shows, as long as the fee is only applied if none of the members of the party shows up.
The rule change may encourage more punctuality among restaurant-goers in Quebec, leading to a more reliable occupancy rate for restaurants. Moreover, it could potentially improve the financial stability of restaurants in the province, providing a much-needed boost to the industry.
However, the introduction of no-show fees is not without its regulatory framework. To charge no-show fees, restaurants must remind customers about upcoming reservations and provide an easy way to cancel before charging a fee. This ensures that consumers are aware of the potential fee and have a reasonable opportunity to cancel without penalty.
The new rule marks a shift in consumer protection laws within Canada, as Quebec was the only province where such fees were previously forbidden. This change aligns Quebec more closely with practices in other provinces, where such fees might be more common.
The balance between supporting the restaurant industry and maintaining consumer rights is crucial. The new rule aims to promote a fair and responsible reservation system, benefiting both the restaurant industry and consumers.
Meanwhile, in other news, 60% of Canadians renewing mortgages could see payments go up by 2026, according to Royal LePage. One in three Canadians expects to carry mortgage payments into retirement, a trend that could have far-reaching implications for the Canadian economy.
In a separate development, Canada's defence spending is expected to lift the economy but will not stop a potential recession, according to a report published by The Canadian Press on July 17, 2025. The report also highlighted that Visa Injury Protection Plan (VISP), aimed to curb vaccine injury lawsuits, is now being challenged in three provinces, with people suing under the plan.
Lastly, letters reveal the public safety minister's support of a suspected terror group's member, a revelation that has sparked controversy and calls for accountability. The missing pink blanket belonging to Lilly Sullivan, a key piece of evidence in the case of missing Nova Scotia kids, is being examined by the RCMP. These developments underscore the complexities and challenges facing Canada today.
The new no-show fee policy in the restaurant industry could potentially improve the financial stability of businesses in Quebec, as it aims to address the significant financial burden of reservation no-shows. On the other hand, Canada's increasing mortgage payment hikes may have far-reaching implications for the economy, with one in three Canadians expecting to carry mortgage payments into retirement.
