SPRINGFIELD — Third-party restaurant ‘booking’ services have cropped up in foodie destinations recently, including Chicago. Scooping up restaurant reservations and reselling them on an auction-style platform with the promise of exclusivity is a new trick. In response, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is leading a bill aiming to protect Illinoisans from these price-gouging tactics. 

“Restaurants operate on the slimmest of margins to keep prices competitive and attract customers,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “When bad actors try to turn a profit using a restaurant’s name and likeness without consent, owners are left scrambling with no-shows, eroding trust in the culinary industry.”

Feigenholtz’s House Bill 2456 would prevent third-party restaurant reservation services from promoting or selling reservations in Illinois without written permission. Restaurants will be able to partner with outside businesses to offer these services only if they choose, while restaurants that want to protect their brand and maintain control over their reservations will be safeguarded.

“We have to give restaurants the tools to protect their brand and reputation,” Feigenholtz added. “This is a step to foster trust and transparency in the industry, prevent revenue losses for local restaurants, and protect consumers from deceptive tactics.”

House Bill 2456 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday.