New tipping rules have taken effect in Quebec. Should B.C. follow suit?

New tipping rules have come into effect in Quebec, helping customers save a few bucks. Should B.C. follow suit?

New rules on tipping and on price displays at grocery retailers took effect Wednesday across Quebec, sparking the question: Should the British Columbia government follow Quebec’s lead?

The rules require the display of any suggested tipping options to be “neutral and uniform,” to prevent a merchant from pressuring clients to give higher tips. In addition, the rules require merchants to ensure the terminals do not suggest tips that are calculated on the price after taxes.

In Vancouver, the founder of Memphis Blues Barbeque House George Siu says he would have no problem with that.

“I don’t think that should be an issue, I think you should tip on the net amount,” he said.

Siu believes it was the COVID-19 pandemic that shifted tipping culture, as restaurants raised the minimum gratuity option as they scratched and clawed to stay in business.

However, Siu feels that over the past few years, some establishments may be taking it too far.

“The gratuity is for exceptional service, and I think sometimes when you have that you do have some lackadaisical service because they know they’re guaranteed a minimum of 20 per cent, and I’m not a fan of that,” he said.

“I think tipping is good, but we can’t go overboard with it because then you’ll have that backlash,” said Siu.

President of the B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Association Ian Tostenson says he doesn’t feel that Quebec’s rules would be effective here, but like Siu, he encourages customers to tip based off the quality of service.

“If you don’t get good service and you’re not happy with your experience, then you shouldn’t tip, but you should go and make it very clear to the manager, why,” he said.

Grocery store changes

In Quebec, grocery retailers will now have to include more information on displays, such as the price per unit of measure, and the price for customers who don’t belong to a store’s loyalty rewards program. That measure extends to any retailer that sells food, including convenience stores.

In B.C., consumer protection is the responsibility the Attorney General Nikki Sharma, who says she and her team are looking at Quebec’s law and considering whether B.C. could implement the same rules.

With files from The Canadian Press