This was one of the big questions at the start of the year. With the censorship of the Barnier government, several political questions remained unanswered, including the fate of restaurant vouchers. Since its implementation in 2022, the extension of these titles to food stores like supermarkets has permanently reduced the monthly bill of French households. Perceived as tax-free salary supplements, they allow employees to reduce lunch-related expenses, but also to do their shopping in most supermarkets in the country.
A worrying delay
Despite the decision of certain deputies to extend this extension of use, initially taken at the time of the Covid-19 health crisis, extension of the current provisions could not be implemented in time. Since January 1, 2025, and even if certain businesses continued to accept them, restaurant vouchers could officially no longer be used for shopping. All products that were not directly consumable (eggs, butter, sugar, oil, pasta and most raw foods) were, de facto, prohibited, marking a step backwards of just over two years.
The fact remains that the government, to the great dismay of restaurateurs, has never hidden its ambition to renew the system. Last November, deputies unanimously voted for the bill, which extended the system. The validating text the extension of restaurant vouchers until 2026 was finally voted on yesterday by Parliament. He thus promises the 5.4 million French beneficiaries to continue to use their funds in supermarkets. Very good news for consumers, who largely supported the project.
When will you be able to use restaurant vouchers at the supermarket again?
The text will come into force upon its promulgation by the President of the Republic. We should therefore expect the system to be officially effective in a few days, at most. Considered by the Minister Delegate in charge of Trade Véronique Louwagie as “the favorite social benefit of the French“, this “more ambitious reform“restaurant vouchers aim above all to”adapt the device to the times“.
Remember that since the start of the year, only bread, bakery products, canned and frozen prepared meals, certain fruits and vegetables, as well as ready-made meals (sandwiches, salads, prepared meals) remained eligible for payment in restaurant ticket. An additional weight in the French household, which has just been lightened.
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