Tipping rules are officially changing at Quebec restaurants next week

If you have ever felt awkward picking a tip amount at a payment machine, changes are coming that could make the process simpler.

Starting May 7, new rules will take effect across Quebec that change how suggested tips are calculated and displayed at restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Businesses will still be able to suggest tip amounts like 15%, 18%, or 20%, but the percentages must now be based on the pre-tax total, not after taxes (QST and GST). Tip suggestions must also be presented in a neutral way, without making one option stand out over the others.

In other words, the 20% recommendation cannot be highlighted more than the 15% or 18% recommendation.

The change is part of Bill 72, which was unanimously adopted by the National Assembly in November 2024. It includes several updates to Quebec's Consumer Protection Act aimed at improving transparency around pricing and payment practices.

Earlier this month, an H&R Block survey found that 82% of Canadians felt tipping culture had expanded too far, with many reporting that they had seen suggested tip screens and service fees appear at a wider variety of businesses, including self-service counters.

Under the new rules, customers will still be able to manually enter their own tip amount or choose not to leave a tip. Tipping remains optional.

Another change coming into effect on May 7 is an update to Quebec's price accuracy policy. If an item scans incorrectly, the compensation amount will rise from $10 to $15. New guidelines for displaying prices in stores will also be put in place.

For example, grocery stores will be required to indicate which food items are subject to the GST and QST. Essential groceries such as milk, eggs, and vegetables remain tax-exempt, while items like candy and soft drinks are taxable. Under the new rules, the total amount of tax must also be clearly displayed at checkout.

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