Coffee clubs, meal plans and memberships in BC: the automatic renewal rules from August 2026

A monthly coffee pass, a weekly meal box and a supper club membership have one thing in common: the customer pays again unless they stop it. British Columbia changed the law on that on 1 August 2026. The rules apply to subscription contracts, and Consumer Protection BC lists meal kit and food delivery subscriptions among the common examples.

What is a subscription contract?

Contracts for goods or services supplied on a continuing basis. The regulator's page says the rules apply where the subscription results in cumulative payments of more than 50 dollars, even if the payments are made in smaller recurring amounts. Its examples include streaming services, meal kit or food delivery subscriptions, news or digital subscriptions and subscription boxes. Whether a punch card or a flat monthly coffee pass is one is a question to put to the regulator, but a card that charges the customer again every month is the pattern the rules describe.

What are the automatic renewal rules?

A business can only renew a contract automatically if it meets notice and cancellation requirements, which depend on the length of the renewal term.

Renewal term of 60 days or less. The customer can cancel at any time, before or after renewal, with no fees. There is no refund of the unused time.

Renewal term of more than 60 days. The customer can cancel at any time, before or after renewal. You must give between 30 and 60 days' notice before the renewal date. The notice must include the renewal date, the customer's cancellation rights, instructions for how to cancel and a statement that the subscription will renew if they do not respond. If the customer is eligible for a refund, it is calculated using a formula that considers the services used and those remaining. Refunds must be issued within 15 days, and no further charges can be made after the customer cancels.

An annual membership that renews itself therefore needs a written renewal reminder, sent in a 30 to 60 day window. A monthly pass does not, but it must be cancellable at any time.

How does a customer cancel?

By sending a cancellation request directly to the business in a way that gives proof of delivery, such as email, fax or registered mail. Make that easy for them: a visible cancel address, and a reply that confirms the date it takes effect.

Can you change the price or terms?

Only if the contract clearly says, when it is made, what can be changed. You must also give at least 30 and no more than 60 days' notice of the change and of the customer's right to cancel. You generally cannot change cancellation, return, exchange or refund terms in a way that puts more responsibility on the customer without their agreement. A customer who is worse off from a change can cancel at any time without penalty.

What must you disclose up front?

The total price including ongoing charges, the payment terms and how often you bill, details of any promotional offers and what happens when they end, your cancellation, return and refund policies, a description of what is supplied, and the renewal terms, including whether it renews automatically and how. If the total is 50 dollars or more, the regulator's meal-subscription advice says this information must be provided before subscribing. A copy of the contract must reach the customer within 15 days of entering into it.

A checklist for a restaurant club

1. Say the total price, billing frequency and renewal terms on the sign-up page.
2. Run the introductory price and say when it ends and what comes next.
3. Offer cancellation by email and keep proof.
4. Diary renewal notices for any term over 60 days.
5. Send the contract copy within 15 days.
6. Stop charging at once on cancellation, and refund within 15 days where one is due.

Together with pre-contract disclosures for online orders and deposits, this is the whole set of changes for most restaurants. If your club works in credits, read BC gift card rules as well.

More in the Canadian guides for food businesses.