NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation to crack down on the "black market" for restaurant reservations, putting an end to third-party services that arrange unauthorized bookings.
The new law will protect consumers from predatory practices that required payment before even entering a restaurant and made dining inaccessible for those unwilling to pay extra fees, according to Hochul.
"We're putting an end to the predatory black market for restaurant reservations — protecting consumers and businesses, and giving everyone a chance to get a seat at the dinner table," Hochul said. "New York is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, and whether you're returning to your favorite local spot or trying out the latest in fine dining, you deserve a fair system."
For example, a platform might secure prime dinner slots at a popular New York City restaurant and then charge consumers a fee, sometimes $50 or more, to take over the reservation. This makes dining inaccessible to those who cannot or will not pay extra and leaves restaurants without control of their booking systems or customer interactions.
Advocates for the bill celebrated the move, calling it a win for both restaurants and patrons seeking equitable access to dining experiences.
"This legislation protects New York's restaurant owners and their customers by putting an end to predatory practices that exploit the reservation process," State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said. "This law targets unauthorized resellers who cause chaos for restaurants with last-minute cancellations and no-shows, leaving tables empty and hardworking staff without tips. For New York's vibrant dining scene and small business owners, this measure ensures fairness and reliability, allowing them to serve their guests without disruption."
