MONTREAL — The Quebec government says it will allow restaurants to charge people who reserve a table but don't show up and don't cancel ahead of time.
Under a regulation that will enter into force July 17, restaurants will be able to charge up to $10 a person for no-shows, but only if the reservation is for five people or more.
However, restaurateurs will not be allowed to charge the fee if at least one member of the group shows up to eat.
The regulation is in response to complaints by restaurant owners, who for years have been asking the government to help them recoup some loses from no-shows.
Martin Vézina, with an association for Quebec restaurateurs, welcomes the regulation but says the fee for no-shows should be raised to $20 and should apply to groups with fewer than five people.
The new rule says diners can cancel up to three hours in advance without incurring a fee, and restaurants are required to send a reminder to people within six to 48 hours of the reservation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 19, 2025.
Joe Bongiorno, The Canadian Press
