QR Code in Restaurants: Is It Legal Without Cash Register or Printer?
Many restaurateurs hesitate to adopt QR code ordering due to fears of non-compliance with regulations. A frequent question arises: is it legal to use a QR code in a restaurant without a cash register (POS) or printer?
The answer is clear: yes, it is legal, provided certain obligations are respected. This article provides a simple and factual overview of what the regulations actually say, and addresses the misconceptions that still hinder QR code adoption.
What the Law Actually Says About QR Code Ordering in Restaurants
QR Code and Legality: No Prohibition Per Se
There is no law prohibiting the use of QR codes for order taking in restaurants. The QR code is simply an order channel, just like a server, tablet, or paper notepad.
What matters legally is not the order taking method, but:
- billing compliance
- sales traceability
- compliance with tax obligations
The Common Confusion Between Cash Register, Billing and Order Taking
Many restaurateurs confuse three distinct elements:
Order Taking
- can be done via QR code
- can be digital
- does not necessarily require a cash register
Payment Processing
- can be done later
- can go through an existing cash register
- can be separated from order taking
Billing
- must comply with tax rules
- requires a sales record
- can be ensured independently of the QR code
👉 The QR code does not replace billing; it only facilitates order taking.
Is a Cash Register (POS) Mandatory for Compliance?
No. Regulations do not require the use of a specific POS for order taking.
What is required:
- that sales be recorded
- that amounts be declared
- that receipts can be provided
A restaurateur can therefore perfectly:
- take orders via QR code
- process payments through their usual cash register
- ensure tax compliance separately
Is a Printer a Legal Requirement?
No. No law requires the use of a thermal printer for order management.
Paper printing is:
- a historical habit
- an operational practice
- but not a legal requirement
Orders can be:
- displayed on screen
- consulted via a digital interface
- notified in real time
Without violating regulations.
What Obligations Must Be Respected to Remain Compliant?
To be compliant, a restaurant must first and foremost:
Ensure Sales Traceability
- keep order history
- be able to justify amounts collected
Respect Billing Rules
- ticket or invoice on request
- correctly applied VAT
- compliant archiving
Correctly Declare Revenue
- regardless of the ordering method
- regardless of the tool used
The QR code does not exempt from these obligations, but does not prevent them either.
QR Code, CNIL and Personal Data
QR code ordering must also comply with rules related to personal data.
Best Practices
- collect only necessary data
- clearly inform the customer
- secure access to information
A well-designed solution naturally respects these principles.
QR2App: A Compliant and Responsible Solution
QR2App was designed to integrate into a clear legal framework.
- order taking tool only
- no dependency on an imposed cash register
- no mandatory printer
- accessible order history
- respect for compliance best practices
The restaurateur retains control of their payment processing and billing.
For Which Establishments Is Compliance a Real Concern
Legal questions are particularly sensitive for:
- independent restaurants
- newly created establishments
- seasonal structures
- bars and beach bars
In these cases, clarity and simplicity are essential to avoid any gray areas.
Conclusion: Yes, QR Code Is Legal Without Cash Register or Printer
Contrary to a common misconception, it is perfectly legal to use a QR code in a restaurant without a dedicated cash register or printer, as long as tax and accounting obligations are respected.
The QR code is an order taking tool, not an imposed billing system.
👉 QR2App allows deploying a simple, compliant QR code ordering system without unnecessary constraints.
