Bill
Bill > S4543
NJ S4543
Prohibits third-party restaurant reservation service from arranging unauthorized restaurant reservation with food service establishment.
summary
Introduced
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
In Committee
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits a third-party restaurant reservation service from listing, advertising, promoting, or selling reservations for a food service establishment without a written agreement between the third-party restaurant reservation service and the food service establishment. The bill defines "food service establishment" to mean a place where food is provided for individual portion service directly to the consumer whether that food is provided free of charge or sold, and whether consumption occurs on or off the premises or is provided from a pushcart, stand, or vehicle. Under the bill, "third-party restaurant reservation service" means any website, mobile application, or other internet service that: offers or arranges for reserving on-premises service for a customer at a food service establishment; and that is owned and operated by a person other than the person who owns the food service establishment. The bill provides that any person who violates its provisions is subject to a civil penalty that will not exceed $1,000 for each violation, and that a violation by a third-party restaurant reservation service under the bill will accrue on a daily basis for each day and for each food service establishment with respect to which a violation of the bill was committed. This bill mirrors legislation enacted by New York and introduced in Illinois prohibiting a third-party restaurant reservation service from listing, advertising, promoting, or selling reservations for a food service establishment without a written agreement between the third-party restaurant reservation service and the food service establishment.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits third-party restaurant reservation services (like websites or mobile apps) from listing, advertising, promoting, or selling restaurant reservations without first obtaining a written agreement with the specific restaurant. The bill defines a "food service establishment" broadly as any place that provides food to consumers, whether free or paid, on-site or off-site, including mobile food services. A "third-party restaurant reservation service" is specifically defined as an internet platform owned by someone other than the restaurant that offers reservation services, excluding authorized reservation distribution channels. Violations of this law can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, with penalties potentially accruing daily for each restaurant involved. The bill is similar to legislation already enacted in New York and proposed in Illinois, and is designed to protect restaurants from unauthorized reservation services that may misrepresent availability or charge fees without the restaurant's consent. The law will take effect on the first day of the third month following its enactment.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 06/02/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4543 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4543_I1.HTM |
Loading...