Marx described the extension as a 'scandal' that exacerbates challenges faced by the restaurant sector, with 20 establishments closing each day due to the shift in voucher usage to supermarkets.

Concerns have been raised that the measure disadvantages restaurateurs, whose share of meal voucher transactions has decreased significantly in favor of supermarkets.

While some lawmakers, including the Republicans, advocated for a shorter, one-year extension to protect restaurateurs, the Assembly ultimately decided on a two-year extension.

Debates in the Assembly highlighted the need for comprehensive reform of the restaurant voucher system, which has been in place since 1967, with proposals for digitalization and expanded eligibility expected to begin in 2025.

Laurence Garnier, the Secretary of State for Consumption, emphasized the importance of this measure to prevent confusion for consumers shopping after January 1, 2025, and announced plans for discussions on reforming restaurant ticket regulations.

On November 20, 2024, the French National Assembly unanimously voted to extend the exemption allowing restaurant vouchers to be used in supermarkets for purchasing food products until the end of 2026.

This extension was adopted in response to ongoing high inflation and aims to assist the purchasing power of approximately 5.4 million workers in France.

The issuer of restaurant vouchers, Edenred, expressed concern that extending the policy undermines the original purpose of promoting restaurant meals as a social benefit.

The unanimous vote of 75 in favor and none against reflects a consensus among various political groups, although the measure still requires confirmation from the Senate to become final.

This extension is part of a derogation established by a law passed in 2022 to aid recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic and was previously extended for one year due to high inflation.

The extension allows these employees to use their vouchers for a wider range of food purchases, including non-prepared items like flour, pasta, and meat, up to a limit of 25 euros.

However, restaurateurs are protesting this decision, citing significant financial losses estimated at 576 million euros, as highlighted by chef Thierry Marx, president of Umih, the main professional organization for the hospitality industry.