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Restaurateurs are expressing growing concerns about the use of meal vouchers in large food retail outlets. Since the summer of 2022, the possibility of using these payment instruments to purchase food products in supermarkets has sparked strong reactions.

Indeed, this exemption has upset the landscape of the restaurant industry. For many, meal vouchers have become a convenient way to do shopping, to the detriment of customers who frequent restaurants. Restaurateurs, who see their revenue affected, are now demanding a restriction on this practice.

The extension of the authorization to use meal vouchers in supermarkets until 2024 has rekindled the debate. Even though this measure aims to support consumers’ purchasing power, it raises concerns among restaurant professionals, who fear a shift in clientele towards cheaper alternatives.

What are restaurateurs’ concerns regarding meal vouchers?

Restaurateurs express growing concerns about the use of meal vouchers in large food retail outlets. They fear that this practice could harm their business, putting them at a disadvantage compared to supermarkets that are attracting more and more customers. Indeed, this use is perceived as circumventing the primary function of meal vouchers, which is to promote meals within restaurant establishments. This situation leads to a deterioration of equality among the various players in the food sector.

In response to this situation, many restaurateurs are joining the movement calling for a restriction on the use of meal vouchers in supermarkets. They argue that such a measure could save jobs and preserve their business. By encouraging consumption concentrated in restaurants, restaurateurs hope that their establishments can regain their attractiveness. They highlight the risk of unfair competition, where supermarkets benefit from government financial support while undermining the customer base of local restaurants.

Why are meal vouchers a controversial topic?

The controversy surrounding meal vouchers dates back to their recent extension of use for food shopping. Authorized since the summer of 2022, this exemption has sparked a clash between the concerned sectors. For consumers, this measure is perceived as an advantageous option for shopping at a lower cost. However, this practice is viewed negatively by restaurateurs, who see their clientele dispersing between food establishments and large stores.

This debate can be structured around several points:
– The social responsibility of restaurant businesses.
– The need to protect local players.
– The impact of the use of meal vouchers on the local economy.
The stakes are multiple, both for consumers and professionals. This phenomenon thus raises legitimate questions about the values we wish to promote within our economic system.

What are the conditions for using meal vouchers?

In France, meal vouchers are subject to strict rules to ensure their appropriate use. Users must first respect a payment ceiling set at 25 euros per day. This helps regulate consumption while allowing employees to benefit from a tax advantage. Furthermore, legislation stipulates that these vouchers may only be used for the purchase of food products. This constitutes an essential clause that frames the use of meal vouchers in large stores.

• The 25 euro ceiling is a regulating factor.
• Meal vouchers must be used for food products.
• Exceptions can be made but remain framed by law.
• Restaurateurs can refuse meal vouchers at certain times, especially in the evening.

Why do some restaurateurs refuse meal vouchers?

The refusal of some restaurateurs to accept meal vouchers, particularly paper versions, raises many questions. The fear of a devaluation of their services is one of the main reasons. Many establishments, despite high demand, find that the use of meal vouchers harms their profitability. For example, since January 1, 2023, several restaurateurs have chosen to stop accepting these payment methods, citing already thin margins and increased competition as reasons.

This trend is fueled by the idea that customers now prefer to use their meal vouchers for shopping rather than dining out. Restaurateurs, faced with this phenomenon, find themselves in a position where they must reassess their offerings and economic viability. This can also lead to a loss of conviviality in the restaurant sector, an aspect often overlooked in these discussions.

What future for meal vouchers in 2024?

As 2024 approaches, the future of meal vouchers becomes uncertain. Restaurateurs, through the GHR (Group of Hoteliers-Restaurateurs), are calling for a revision of the rules governing meal voucher usage in supermarkets, demanding a limitation on their use. This request is accompanied by a proposal to revert recent legislative changes that have facilitated their use for food shopping.

• The GHR seeks a limitation targeting supermarkets.
• A return to basics: that meal vouchers be reserved for restaurant establishments.
• A necessity to protect the local economy and jobs in the restaurant industry.
• Maintaining dialogue between restaurateurs and consumers is crucial.

Comparison of reactions to the use of meal vouchers

Restaurateurs express growing concerns regarding the use of meal vouchers in large food retail outlets. Since the summer of 2022, an exception allows employees to purchase food products in supermarkets, which has led to criticism within the profession. The main fear lies in the fact that this diverts part of the clientele from restaurants, impacting their revenues and economic viability.

In response to this situation, groups of restaurateurs are calling for a limitation on the use of meal vouchers in retail chains. They emphasize that this practice favors supermarkets at the expense of restaurant establishments, obstructing local business relationships. The example of a reader confronted with refusals of her meal vouchers in restaurants highlights the tensions that exist today in this sector.

The debate surrounding meal vouchers promises to be complex, especially with the extension of their use planned until 2024. However, a collective reflection could allow for finding a balance between consumers’ access to food products and the necessity to maintain the profitability of restaurants. Long-term prospects depend on the decisions that will be made in the coming months.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Use of Meal Vouchers in Large Stores

Why do restaurateurs want to restrict the use of meal vouchers in supermarkets?

Restaurateurs fear that the use of meal vouchers for food shopping may penalize restaurant establishments. By allowing the purchase of food products in large stores, it could reduce attendance in their restaurants.

What are the consequences of using meal vouchers in large stores?

Using meal vouchers for shopping in supermarkets can lead to a drop in sales for restaurateurs, who then find themselves in direct competition with large stores to attract customers.

What is consumers’ opinion on this restriction?

Consumers appreciate the flexibility offered by the use of meal vouchers in supermarkets. However, they may see the consequences of this restriction on the variety of choices during their meals.

Are there limits to the use of meal vouchers in supermarkets?

Yes, since October 1, 2022, the payment ceiling for meal vouchers is limited to 25 euros per day per person. This encourages specific food purchases rather than full shopping trips.

What types of products can be purchased with meal vouchers?

Meal vouchers can only be used to purchase food products. Non-food items, such as alcoholic beverages or cleaning products, are not eligible.

What about the future of meal vouchers?

An extension of the possibility to use meal vouchers for food purchases has been planned until 2024. This suggests potential changes for the restaurant sector and consumers’ buying habits.