Restaurant vouchers in France, benefiting over 5 million employees, come with specific regulations. They are not valid on Sundays and holidays unless specified by the employer. Employees can use multiple vouchers up to a daily limit of 25 euros and can use them for groceries, including at drive-thrus. Change cannot be given for these vouchers, and they are meant solely for employees. While restaurants can refuse vouchers, cash payments must be accepted.
Understanding Restaurant Vouchers in France
Over 5 million employees in France benefit from restaurant vouchers, which come with specific regulations outlined in the Labor Code. These vouchers are a common payment method at restaurants, but they raise several questions: Can you use them at supermarkets? Are restaurateurs allowed to refuse giving change? Let’s explore the answers to these common queries.
Using Restaurant Vouchers on Sundays and Holidays
According to Article R3262-8 of the Labor Code, restaurant vouchers are not valid for use on Sundays and public holidays. However, there is an exception for employees who work on those days if their employer allows the use of vouchers, which must then be indicated on the voucher itself. In reality, many employees still manage to use their paper vouchers on Sundays, as many restaurateurs do not strictly enforce this rule. Attorney Nathalie Lailler notes that there seems to be a leniency regarding this regulation, as enforcement is rare and it generally does not harm anyone.
Can You Use Multiple Restaurant Vouchers?
Absolutely! You can use more than one restaurant voucher to pay for your meal, as long as you stay within the daily limit of 25 euros. For example, if your lunch costs 18 euros and you have vouchers worth 9 euros, you can pay with two vouchers. However, keep in mind that the law restricts the total amount to 25 euros per day. In practice, some restaurateurs might accept multiple vouchers exceeding this limit without any issues.
Paying for Groceries with Restaurant Vouchers
Yes, you can use restaurant vouchers for certain grocery items. Initially, these vouchers were only accepted at restaurants, but a decree in 2010 expanded their use to other food retailers. From August 18, 2022, any food product, consumable or not, can be purchased with restaurant vouchers. This rule was set to last until the end of 2023 but has been extended to the end of 2026.
Can You Use Restaurant Vouchers for Drive-Thru Groceries?
There are several ways to use your restaurant vouchers, including at drive-thru grocery locations. However, be sure to check with the specific retailer regarding their acceptance of vouchers.
Change and Restaurant Vouchers
It’s important to know that restaurateurs and supermarket cashiers cannot give change for restaurant vouchers. According to the National Commission for Restaurant Vouchers, merchants must decline payment with a voucher if the purchase amount is less than the voucher’s value.
Giving Restaurant Vouchers to Others
Unfortunately, legislation states that restaurant vouchers issued by a company are intended solely for its employees. While it’s unlikely you’ll face repercussions for giving a voucher to your child or spouse, the official rule prohibits this practice. For chip card users, contactless payments are also possible, but the daily limit of 25 euros still applies.
Where Can You Use Restaurant Vouchers?
The validity of your restaurant vouchers depends on what your employer has designated. Typically, they can be used within the department of your workplace or nearby. However, if your employer has ordered vouchers valid throughout France, you can use them at authorized establishments nationwide. Keep in mind that restaurant vouchers are not valid for use abroad.
Can Restaurants Refuse Restaurant Vouchers?
Yes, restaurants are not obligated to accept restaurant vouchers. Cash payments cannot be refused, but restaurateurs can choose which types of vouchers to accept. They may limit their acceptance to either paper vouchers or chip cards based on their payment systems. Additionally, they have the right to refuse voucher payments for dinner services, as these vouchers are meant for meals during work hours.