The simple answer is no, a merchant cannot legally create a tax and add it to your service or catering bill. The price paid must correspond to the price displayed with the exception of GST and QST.
According to the Office of Consumer Protection, traders are indeed obliged to announce an “all inclusive” price. This means that the advertised price must include all the sums you will have to pay to buy the product or service. Only GST and QST can be added to the amount displayed.
Can the merchant raise his prices?
Yes absolutely, traders can modify the displayed price to reflect the increase in their operating costs due to COVID-19.
As for “surprise charges”, they are prohibited by law. This applies to all advertised prices, whether they come from an advertisement, poster, flyer, website or verbal agreement.
For example, a hairdresser could not ask you for a sanitary cleaning fee after a haircut if it increases the price announced earlier. Likewise, it would be illegal for a repair shop to charge you for surprise costs for disinfecting the automobile or household appliance if these had not been included in the assessment.
In the case of these illegal charges, you can simply refuse to pay them. You can also file a complaint with the Office. Note that if you have paid such fees, you are entitled to request a refund.
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