Thought of the Day - September 14 2021 - COVID Fees

Canadian restaurant chains tend to follow trends from the US. This was true years ago when Canadian restaurants started breaking out taxes, along with ever increasing gratuities. Menus were reprinted with both of these items omitted (it is fascinating to see the expression on first-time travellers from Europe when they realize that the final tally is 30% more than described on the menu).

This is not a new issue. COVID fees

appeared on bills in the US last year. But now they have been spotted in Canada. A survey conducted in Canada last year showed the majority of respondents opposed to COVID fees. Opposition increased with age. Also, there were differences by industry. More objection to retail stores and less with services such as hairdressing and restaurants.

I am not opposed to restaurants increasing prices in order to be viable. Indeed, inflation, particularly in food prices, and the continuing cost of COVID measures means that restaurant prices are bound to increase. My concern is this may become yet another after-the-fact addition to the bill. What will be next? Carbon offsets, fuel surcharges, rent subsidies . . . ?

Cheers

Cliff