Home / Business and Economy / NJ Bill Targets Scalpers of Restaurant Reservations
NJ Bill Targets Scalpers of Restaurant Reservations
11 Apr
Summary
- Unauthorized reservation resale prohibition bill passed.
- Violators face $500 daily fines per listing.
- Restaurants can lose revenue from empty peak hour tables.
New Jersey is taking a stand against the unauthorized resale of restaurant reservations.
State lawmakers have passed a bill that prohibits third-party websites from selling restaurant reservations without the establishment's consent. This practice has been criticized for inflating prices for diners and negatively impacting small businesses.
Supporters of the bill argue it will help ensure customers can secure reservations without fraudulent extra costs. Violators of the new law could face daily fines of $500 per listing and may be subject to lawsuits from restaurants and customers.
Restaurant industry leaders warn that reservation scalping can lead to empty tables during busy periods, causing revenue loss for businesses, especially on popular nights like Fridays and Saturdays. The New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association highlights the bill's importance as the state prepares for increased tourism. The measure now awaits consideration by Governor Sherill.
