Quebec moves to crack down on restaurant no-shows [Video]

Quebec is looking to crack down on restaurant no-shows by allowing owners to charge clients who don’t honour their reservations.

The Quebec government announced changes to the Consumer Protection Act on Wednesday and with consultations underway, citizens have 45 days to submit their comments regarding the draft regulation.

Quebec’s restaurant association has said that no-shows can cost businesses tens of thousands of dollars every year.

Citing data from the association, Quebec’s Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) said in a news release that the phenomenon of no-shows can lead to financial losses averaging $49,000 per establishment every year, with some restaurants facing losses nearing $100,000.

WATCH | How the new rules will be applied: After years of pressure from Quebec restaurants claiming tens of thousands of dollars in annual losses thanks to customers who make reservations and don’t show up for them, the provincial government is proposing regulations that would provide restaurants some protections.

Under the proposed rules, restaurants could charge clients who ghost their reservations up to $10 per …