MONTREAL - Instead of singling out only restaurant owners, Revenue Quebec should apply its anti-fraud rules to all retail businesses, says the spokesperson for an organization representing Quebec restaurant operators.
These “black box” sales-recording modules (SRMs) are connected to a compatible cash register or computerized point-of-sale system and printer. The new SRM receipts include a bar code that can be scanned by a Revenue Quebec inspector.
But François Meunier, vice-president of public affairs for the Association des restaurateurs du Québec, said it’s not fair that other retail businesses – such as bars, hair salons and garages – are exempt from the regulations.
Sweden has taken a broader approach than Quebec.
Since July 1, 2010, the country has required almost all retail businesses to purchase a government-certified “control unit” that is either embedded in or added on to an electronic cash register.
Quebec has set up an $82-million taxpayer-funded subsidy program to offset some of the cost of the new equipment for restaurant owners.
An estimated one-third of Quebec restaurant owners have yet to comply with the rules.
