Since the extension of their use in supermarkets, meal vouchers have been the subject of debate. Officially, these are again authorized until the end of 2026 in businesses, although with some precise rules governing their use. The reform has been awaited for a long time by consumers and supermarkets, it promises to boost the purchasing power of French households. The fact remains that it is far from unanimous. If consumers welcome the measure, many restaurateurs are speaking out against what they consider to be a unfair competition. Faced with their discontent, a global reform is expected to bring everyone together.
Since the pandemic, an exemption allows the use of meal vouchers to purchase food products, but not directly consumable, such as pasta, rice, or even flour. Between covid-19 and the complex geopolitical situation, inflation has been there, and consumption habits have changed. More and more workers are bringing their meals to work, and using their restaurant vouchers to pay for part of their food shopping. A much less expensive operation on the final bill, but which represents a loss of income for restaurateurs.
Welcomed by 96% of employees, the extension of restaurant vouchers to food businesses was finally extended until December 2026, after which it can be requested. In the meantime, and to respond to the anger of restaurateurs, several solutions are proposed.
Remove the ceiling in restaurants
Republican senator Alain Joyandet proposed an amendment aimed at uncapping the use of restaurant vouchers in restaurants. Currently, the latter are, as is the case for food shopping, limited to €25 per day. The bill therefore aims to remove this ceiling for food establishments, while retaining it in supermarkets. Concretely, this would allow people who wish to enjoy a meal in a restaurant with no limit on the amount other than their existing kitty (which is equivalent to around €200 per month, half financed by the employer). A measure which could encourage employees to favor restaurants, while leaving those who wish the possibility of continuing to pay for their purchases in supermarkets.
-Although the proposal to remove the cap has not yet been validated, it is seriously being studied. Véronique Louwagie, Minister responsible for Commerce and Crafts, confirmed her plan to carry out a global reform of restaurant vouchers in the coming months. Discussions between restaurateurs, unions and social partners could lead to a compromise and bring everyone to agreement.
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