Restaurant industry supports stiffer penalties for "zapper" software

EDMONTON, Sept. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association supports measures announced today to crack down on those who produce, sell, possess or use electric suppression of sales (ESS) software.

"We're very pleased the federal government listened to our concerns and is targeting the underground economy, rather than the above-ground economy," says CRFA president and CEO Garth Whyte, who participated in today's announcement with Minister of National Revenue Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay.  "The vast majority of restaurant owners operate in full compliance of the law, and welcome measures that protect the integrity of our industry and create a level playing field for their businesses."

In Quebec, the government tackled the underground economy by mandating a sales recording module or "black box" on every cash register in every food and beverage establishment in the province.  Responding to concerns raised by CRFA, the Quebec government offered financial assistance for business owners to install the modules, but the initiative created ongoing costs and red tape for the province's restaurant owners, including the vast majority that were already complying with the law.

"These resources could be put to better use creating jobs and economic growth, rather than penalizing honest and law-abiding companies," says Whyte.  "The federal government is to be congratulated on a targeted and fair approach that goes after the source of the problem, not hard-working business owners who pay their taxes and operate in full financial transparency."

CRFA is one of Canada's largest business associations, with more than 30,000 members representing restaurants, bars, caterers, institutions and other foodservice providers. Canada's restaurant industry generates $65 billion annually in economic activity and employs more than 1.1 million people in communities across the country.

SOURCE: Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association

MEDIA CONTACT:  Prasanthi Vasanthakumar, 1-800-387-5649, ext. 4254 or [email protected].