Revolution in the world of meal vouchers. From 9 September, the rules on tickets available to workers have changed. Important changes have been introduced by the decree of the Ministry of Economic Development which will come into force on Saturday with the aim of limiting existing abuses and modulating rules that have been too uncertain up to now. The news concern over two and a half million workers for a turnover of around three billion euros.
Meal vouchers: beneficiaries
Meal vouchers are no longer the preserve of only full-time employees, but can be used by full-time or part-time employees, even if working hours do not include breaks for lunch. Subjects who have established a collaborative relationship with the customer, even if not subordinate, are also entitled to tickets. A person who works at such a distance as to make it difficult to reach his home to eat is entitled to it.
Meal vouchers: where can they be used?
The new regulation in force since 9 September defines in more detail the establishments where the meal vouchers available to employees can be spent. On a general level the tickets can be spent at establishments authorized to administer food and drinks "both in a fixed location and in a public area", that is: bars, restaurants, grocery stores, supermarkets, but also markets or street vendors. The law provides for their use also at the production site or those managed by farmers who offer their own products and therefore agritourisms or itturismi. Finally, tickets can also be used at places of industrial food production.
Meal vouchers: combinability
Among the most important innovations of the decree published in the Official Gazette last June is the possibility of accumulating meal vouchers in large-scale distribution up to a maximum of eight tickets. A custom, to tell the truth, already widespread in Italy which, however, from 9 September will also be officially allowed for electronic tickets which until yesterday created some concern for workers who, given their traceability, feared encountering some "problem ”.
Meal vouchers: rules and prohibitions
Meal vouchers they are not transferable to third parties, i.e. they must be used exclusively by workers, but can also be used outside working days. They must also be used to their full face value. Translated in simple terms: not being current money they do not give the right to change.
The old rules remain in force: the paper ticket must be dated and signed, while for the electronic voucher remains "the holder's obligation to sign is fulfilled digitally".
Finally, remember that tickets are partially deductible. Generally speaking, paper meal vouchers have a maximum value of 5,29 euros (however, the average is 4 euros) and are not subject to taxation. The maximum tax-free amount of electronic tickets rises to 7 euros.
