A first in the nation Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act was signed Dec. 20 by Governor Kathy Hochul in response to the growing threat of predatory online reservation platforms, but for Lower Hudson Valley restaurant owners, the new law most likely won’t make much of a difference.
The act comes in the wake of a dramatic increase in predatory third-party reservation platforms that have been flooding the market, forcing many diners to turn to a black market for reservations, leaving owners with diminished sales, increased no-show rates and unreliable guest counts.
The new law prohibits these predatory practices and establishes clear rules for third-party reservation platforms. Under the Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act, such platforms must now enter into a written agreement with restaurants before they can list or sell reservations through their websites, mobile apps, or other platforms.
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It also aims to ensure that New York’s restaurant industry can thrive in an increasingly digital world where technology has further complicated the issue, specifically the rise of automated bots and artificial intelligence (AI) software which target high-demand tables and secure reservations in bulk.
How does Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act impact Lower Hudson?
So what does this mean for Lower Hudson Valley restaurant owners? Probably not a lot, agree experts, as it seems to apply to higher-end New York City spots.
“Selling reservations is a pretty common thing, and some famous restaurants are known for it. But around Westchester, it’s not really a big deal, so it probably won’t affect local restaurants much,” said Marc Taxiera, executive chef and owner of Augustine’s Salumeria in Mamaroneck and Vida in Thornwood. “This seems more geared towards places like Carbone or Cote [in New York City.]”
Sisters Carrie Denoyer, left, and Charlotte Denoyer at Cafe Deux in Harrison, are against diners being charged for reservations. Photographed March 2023
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Christina Drake Safarowic, owner of Freddy’s in Pleasantville agreed saying she didn’t think Westchester eateries are affected but that overall it’s good because “it’s like Ticketmaster’s price gouging and needs to stop.”
Carrie and Charlotte Denoyer, who own Café Deux in Harrison, appreciate the law being put in place but said they, too, are not affected much by it. Said Carrie Denoyer: “We’re not fans of charging people for reservations, though.”
For Taxiera, the law could go a step further.
“If they really want to help small restaurants, politicians should focus on lowering costs. Cutting things like delivery fees, taxes, and labor costs would make a much bigger difference for everyone. These rising costs are a real problem for businesses.”
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY’s Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act: Will it impact business?