The Quebec government has announced a significant change in its Consumer Protection Act, allowing restaurants to charge fees for no-show reservations. This development comes as a response to mounting complaints from restaurant owners who have been grappling with substantial financial losses due to patrons failing to honor their table reservations. The new regulation, set to take effect on July 17, seeks to address the growing issue of no-shows, which the government acknowledges has "greatly increased in recent years."
The hospitality industry has widely welcomed this policy shift. According to Association Restauration Québec, no-shows cost the average restaurant nearly $50,000 annually, with some establishments losing up to $100,000. The association, which represents restaurateurs across the province, has long advocated for measures to mitigate these losses. Under the updated regulation, restaurants can impose a fee of up to $10 per person for no-show reservations, provided the booking is for five or more people.
However, there are specific conditions attached to this fee. Diners can avoid charges by canceling their reservation at least three hours prior to their scheduled time. Additionally, if at least one person from the group arrives, the fee will not be applied. To further assist in reducing no-show incidents, restaurants are mandated to send reminders to patrons between six and 48 hours before their reservation.
Fouad Filali, a restaurateur affected by no-shows, expressed frustration over the financial impact on his business.
“I lose up to a thousand dollars in sales each weekend with no-shows.” – Fouad Filali
In some cases, the strain of no-shows has led business owners like Filali to cease accepting reservations on weekends altogether.
The introduction of this regulation places Quebec in line with other regions where charging for no-shows is permitted. Martin Vézina highlighted Quebec's unique position prior to this change.
“We are the only province (where) it is illegal to charge for no-shows” – Martin Vézina
