The “no-show” phenomenon, which consists in not showing up for a reservation in a restaurant, forces many restaurateurs to find solutions to this scourge that is costing them dearly.
• Also read: Restaurant owners want to be paid for “no shows”.
The lucrative holiday season, with large group reservations, means no-shows pose major challenges for restaurant owners.
TVA Nouvelles was able to exchange a few words with the owner of the Lanterne restaurant in Longueuil, who explained that last week only 20 people showed up for a reservation of 50 people.
- Listen to the interview with Jérôme Gilpin on The Richard Martineau Show via QUB radio :
The shortfall then goes to the owners, who must pay for food and staff costs.
Would you be willing to pay a deposit before making the reservation to help curb the no-show phenomenon? Citizens polled by TVA Nouvelles approve of the idea.
“I think there should be a way for restaurants to require a deposit when booking, then you lose your deposit if you don’t show up,” said one man.
Another citizen said he strongly agrees with the idea of punishing offending customers.
“Honestly, it’s not honest, it’s not right [de ne pas se présenter à une réservation] ! Especially with the pandemic them [les restaurateurs] just crossed,” he said.
As in hotels, restaurant staff may ask for a credit card number before completing a reservation.
“In my opinion, therefore, even if it is an oral contract, there is an agreement to guarantee the reservation,” stresses Me Marc Lemay, a retired lawyer.