Many Canadian restaurateurs say the government needs to develop specific tipping rules that are “clear and transparent” for both employees and customers, a new survey suggests.

In a survey of Canadian restaurateurs, conducted by Angus Reid and Atlas, a leader in hospitality automation and tipping management software, 71 percent of respondents said tipping was important.

Additionally, 54 per cent of Alberta businesses support clearer regulation of this practice.

“This survey clearly shows that hospitality workers are demanding fair and more transparent compensation models,” Afshin Mousavian, CEO and co-founder of Atlas, said in a statement.

Many Alberta restaurateurs (42 per cent) believe taxes should continue to be imposed under current regulations, according to the survey.

Only 11 percent favor exempting tips only from income tax, not payroll taxes.

Tax exemptions on tips were most favorable in Quebec, where 50 percent of business owners were in favor.

The online survey of 204 Canadian restaurant owners/operators and hospitality professionals was conducted by Atlas from September 27 to October 2.