New tipping rules: Hundreds of complaints against Quebec restaurants, bars

Almost a year after the new tipping rules took effect, Quebec’s consumer protection agency has received hundreds of complaints against businesses.

With the passage of Bill 72, businesses are required to calculate tip amounts before Quebec sales tax (QST) and Canada’s Goods and Services tax (GST).  Businesses are also required to show neutral option on payment terminals.

However, the province’s Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) said it has received 531 complaints from Quebecers alleging that businesses didn’t comply with the new rules between May 7, 2025 and mid-March 2026.

“Almost all of these complaints targeted restaurants/bars and food establishments,” Charles Tanguay, spokesperson for OPC, said in an email.

Apart from complaints from consumers, OPC also conducted audits of 185 businesses between July 21, 2025, and February 26, 2026.

“Of these, 6 were found to be compliant and 179 non-compliant,” Tanguay wrote. “These businesses were issued a Notice of Remedial Action.”