When Canadians began to go back to their regular activities upon the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic, many were pleased with the return of certain elements of their daily lives. We did not have to rely completely on food delivery apps and could attend restaurants. We also finally visited the dentist or the hair salon after long absences.

With the pandemic behind us, a growing number of people and establishments have started to notice a disheartening trend: Individuals booking appointments and making reservations that are not met. A new option to deal with this problem is to advise individuals that a “no-show" fee will be collected in case the restaurant table is left empty or the medical specialist is kept waiting for a patient that never arrives.

Research Co. asked Canadians about this development and found a split on whether restaurants should be able to charge a no-show fee if a reservation is missed: 44 per cent of the country’s residents believe this action is justified, while 48 per cent deem it unjustified.

Albertans are the most likely to be dismayed at the prospect of paying a no-show fee after a restaurant reservation is abandoned (58 per cent). The proportions are lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (53 per........

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