French parliament makes restaurant vouchers usable in supermarkets permanent

On Monday, the Assemblée nationale adopted a proposal to solidify the emergency rule introduced in 2022 that permits the use of tickets-restaurant for all food purchases in supermarkets, a response to rising inflation. The vote was 87-0, and the legislation will initially extend the exemption for one year before making it permanent starting in 2028. Although the measure received broad parliamentary backing, restaurateurs warned it benefits large retailers, whose share of voucher-paid spending grew from 22 % to 31 % between late-2022 and mid-2024.

Efforts to create separate daily spending caps for restaurants and grocery stores were rejected. The bill authorises the government to cap the 4-5 % commissions levied by the four main voucher issuers, mandates complete digitalisation of tickets by 2028, allows their use on Sundays and holidays, and enables donations to food-aid charities. The text now proceeds to the Senate.