More than 500 bars and restaurants in Quebec have earned complaints since the new law on tips came into force last year. Tips must be calculated on the total before taxes, and not all merchants fully comply with the rule that came into effect after post-pandemic tip culture spiked. “People were sick of being asked for tips and more and more tips, and so that’s why the new regulation took place,” said Quebec Consumer Protection Office spokesperson Charles Tanguay. As of Feb. 28, the protection office has received 531 complaints about merchants charging tips on the total, after taxes. That’s against the rules, says Tanguay. “It also forbids merchants to enhance one form or one percentage instead of the other,” he said. ”They should be presented neutrally. So, you don’t feel obliged to give a better tip.” He says 200 notifications were sent out to non-compliant businesses; some blamed their electronic payment providers, who were slow to update their systems when the rule came into effect in May 2025. “The regulation was announced long before it took force, but it’s what we have been told also that it takes time to adapt,” says Tanguay. If a merchant who received a warning is the subject of more complaints, a fine can be issued. Tanguay advises customers to pay attention to the total before tapping to pay. “Tipping has to be voluntary, and, if you’re not satisfied, don’t be shy. And you can give less tip or no tips at all,” he said.
