Edson Pinto, Executive Director of Foresp, said that due to the obstacles created by operators, the welfare voucher system has made it impossible for companies in the home catering sector to register and continue operating.
The Federation of Hotels, Restaurants and Bars of the State of São Paulo (Foresp) expressed satisfaction with the issuance of a new Decree, announced by the Federal Government this Wednesday (12th), implementing changes to the rules governing the operation of meal vouchers and meal voucher systems in Brazil. The regulation is in response to a historic request from Forest, which had formally warned the federal government about the difficulties faced by the facility.
The main change is to cap the processing fees charged by card providers at 3.6%. Previously, this percentage could reach 15%. Foresp expects this change to provide financial relief to on-the-go eateries, with benefits passed on to end customers, particularly through menu freezes and price reductions at popular restaurants.
Previous operating systems created obstacles for restaurants, bars, snack bars, bakeries, and similar businesses to sign up and maintain memberships. According to Fhoresp, carrier charges are one of the major barriers, and are currently capped at almost four times lower limits.
Another change introduced by this Decree is the shortening of the payment period for certified facilities. The period for receiving the amount (refund) has been reduced from more than 30 days to a limit of 15 calendar days.
edson pintoThe Secretary-General of Foresp, an organization representing more than 500,000 establishments and over 20 unions in the state of São Paulo, said that the obstacles created by operators have made it impossible both to register and continue to operate businesses in the food sector away from home in the welfare voucher system.
He emphasized that in the previous scenario (high fees and delayed refunds), many establishments either operated at a loss or chose not to accept tickets as a payment method. Forestp believes the new rules of lower membership fees and faster refunds will increase the number of businesses accepting vouchers. This increased adoption tends to increase competition, favoring end consumers by stabilizing or lowering prices.
Already in March of the same year, Foresp had written a letter on this matter to the Vice-President of the Republic, Gerald Alkmin. Addressed to Finance Minister Fernando Haddad. and Marcio França, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Microenterprises and Small and Medium Enterprises. This paper details the difficulties in this area and provides suggestions.
The decree, signed by the President of the Republic, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, is also recognized by Foresp as another advance in introducing interoperability in card machines and allowing the acceptance of all gift certificate brands.
The regulatory changes aim to modernize the Workers’ Food Program (PAT), an instrument established to increase the purchasing power of Brazilian workers. PAT is voluntary, with employers contributing 80% of the benefit amount and employees up to a maximum of 20%, offering tax benefits to participating companies.
About The Author
