Bill > HR3403

This bill establishes regulations for third-party restaurant reservation services, requiring that such services can only list, promote, or sell reservations for a food service establishment if they have a written agreement directly with the establishment or its authorized representative. The bill defines a food service establishment broadly to include restaurants, food trucks, bars, brewpubs, and similar venues, even those located within larger complexes like airports or hotels. Any violation of these requirements will be treated as an unfair or deceptive practice and will be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), with potential penalties similar to those outlined in the Federal Trade Commission Act. The bill also prohibits reservation services from including indemnification provisions that would require food service establishments to cover damages caused by the reservation service's own actions. These regulations will take effect 180 days after the bill's enactment, giving businesses time to adjust to the new requirements. The primary goal of the SEAT Act is to protect food service establishments from unauthorized reservation services and ensure transparency and consent in how their dining spaces are marketed and booked.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3403/all-info