Quebec’s New $10 No-Show Fee: What Restaurants Need to Know

Thomas Campbell

August 11th, 2025

Starting July 17, 2025, restaurants in Quebec can charge no-show fees of up to $10 per person when a reservation isn’t honoured. This new regulation, set by the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC), is designed to help restaurants recover costs from missed reservations and comes with clear rules on how the fee can be applied, how taxes work, and how to remain compliant.

Here is what else you need to know to make sure you’re compliant

Summary

Restaurants in Quebec can now charge up to $10/person for no-shows.
Fee must be disclosed before booking and customers can cancel anytime without penalty.
No extra fees beyond the $10 limit are allowed.
GST/QST apply, and the $10 is tax-inclusive.
Clear communication and reminders help reduce no-shows.

How the No-Show Fee Works

The fee can only apply to groups of 2 or more.
Restaurants must inform customers of the possibility of a no-show fee before the reservation.
Guests must be able to cancel easily at any time using technology such as text message, online form, or other electronic means.
A reminder or confirmation must be sent 6 to 48 hours before the reservation (unless the reservation was made inside that window), with a direct link to cancel.
The fee cannot be charged in advance and credit card details may be collected for protection, but the charge can only be made after the scheduled time.
Only the $10-per-person fee can be charged and no extra penalties, damages, or administrative costs.

When You Cannot Charge the Fee

You cannot apply the no-show charge if:

The customer cancels at least 3 hours in advance (by the provided technology, phone, or in person).
At least one person in the group shows up.
You fail to meet any of your obligations above (e.g., no proper notice or reminder sent).

How GST/HST and QST Apply

While no physical meal or service is provided in a no-show situation, tax rules still apply because the fee is tied to a taxable supply (the reserved meal).

The law deems the fee to include applicable taxes. Here’s how it breaks down for a $10 no-show fee:

Item	Calculation	Amount
Consideration before GST	100 ÷ (100 + 5) × $10.00	$9.52
GST/HST (5%)	$9.52 × 5%	$0.48
Consideration before QST	100 ÷ (100 + 9.975) × $10.00	$9.09
QST (9.975%)	$9.09 × 9.975%	$0.91

This means from a $10 no-show fee, you would remit $0.48 GST and $0.91 QST.

Best Practices for Implementation

To smoothly introduce this policy and maintain customer goodwill:

Update your reservation policy on your website, menus, and booking platforms.
Train staff to explain the policy politely when taking reservations.
Automate reminders via SMS or email with easy cancellation links.
Track no-shows and ensure the fee is only applied when fully compliant with OPC rules.
Monitor customer feedback to adjust your communication and avoid backlash.

Why This Matters for Your Bottom Line

Missed reservations cost restaurants both lost revenue and wasted prep work. This $10 fee won’t cover the entire loss, but it can:

Encourage customers to cancel in advance.
Reduce last-minute empty tables.
Offset costs from food waste or staff scheduling.

Conclusion

The upcoming $10 no-show fee in Quebec represents a significant shift in how restaurants can protect themselves from the financial hit of missed reservations. While the policy offers a fair way to recoup some costs, its success will depend on how well restaurant owners communicate the rules and integrate the process into their operations.

By being transparent with guests, automating reminders, and adhering to the OPC’s guidelines, restaurants can reduce no-shows without damaging customer relationships. Ultimately, this isn’t just about collecting a fee but about creating a culture of respect for reservations and keeping tables full.

FAQ

Can I charge more than $10 per person for a no-show?

No. The OPC has capped the no-show fee at $10 per person, and you cannot add any other penalties, damages, or administrative fees.

Do I need the customer’s consent to apply the no-show fee?

Yes. You must clearly inform customers about the policy before their reservation, either verbally or in writing, and provide them with a way to cancel at any time.

Do I have to charge GST and QST on a no-show fee?

Yes. The fee is considered part of a taxable supply, so GST and QST apply. The $10 amount is considered tax-inclusive, meaning you’ll need to remit the tax portion from that amount.

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Quebec’s New $10 No-Show Fee: What Restaurants Need to Know

Summary

How the No-Show Fee Works

When You Cannot Charge the Fee

How GST/HST and QST Apply

Best Practices for Implementation

Why This Matters for Your Bottom Line

Conclusion

FAQ

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