Massive News For Restaurants Today In New York State

Today a new law goes into effect that will impact restaurants across New York State.

As of this morning, third parties that book reservations with restaurants now have to make contact with the restaurant to book the reservation. The law is aimed at cutting down on "ghost" reservations and overbooking.

Massive News For Restaurants Today In New York State

The new Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act now prohibits any third-party companies from selling or listing restaurant reservations without the restaurant's permission. The law is aimed at cutting down on companies that use bots to book reservations and then trying to "Scalp" those reservations for a fee.

The law was signed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul back in December and is now in effect.

Companies and people who viplate the new law could face fines up to $1000 per violation.

According to New York officials who called for the law to be passed, the new law will help local restaurants by limiting the amount of reservation fraud and also help elevate the dining experience in New York. There will now be a better chance of getting a reservation at popular restaurants since you won't have to battle bots to get them.

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The new law is also expected to help waitstaff and other tipped employees since there should be fewer empty tables from "ghost" reservations.

This is not the only new law that when into or will soon be going into effect this month in New York State. You can see the whole list by clicking HERE.