HB2456, titled the Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act, creates a new state law regulating third-party restaurant reservation services. The bill defines a third-party reservation service as an online or app-based platform that arranges on-premises reservations for a food service establishment and is not owned by the restaurant itself, while excluding reservation channels that are authorized by contract. It then prohibits these services from listing, advertising, promoting, or selling restaurant reservations unless they have a written agreement with the restaurant to do so.
The bill also establishes enforcement and remedies. Violations can trigger civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate violation. The Attorney General may bring actions to recover penalties or restitution, and restaurants or persons charged fees in connection with an unauthorized listing may sue in circuit court for injunctive relief, actual damages up to the fees collected, attorney’s fees and costs, and other court-ordered remedies. Any lawsuit must be filed within one year of the alleged violation.
Impact
HB2456 would add a new chapter of protections for restaurants in Illinois by limiting unauthorized resale or listing of reservations by third-party platforms and by creating explicit statutory remedies for affected businesses and consumers. It affects online reservation marketplaces, restaurant operators, and the Attorney General’s enforcement authority, while leaving room for authorized reservation distribution through contracts. The bill does not amend an existing statute in the text provided; instead, it creates a standalone regulatory framework governing reservation platform conduct.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong bipartisan support and no recorded opposition in either chamber action cited. The House passed the bill 105-0 on third reading, and the Senate motion passed 57-0, indicating broad agreement that the practice being targeted should be restricted. No committee transcripts were provided, so the record here reflects consensus rather than detailed debate.
Contention
No formal contention is visible in the provided materials, but the bill’s structure suggests the main policy issue is whether third-party reservation platforms should be allowed to market or sell reservations without a direct written agreement from the restaurant. Potentially affected parties include reservation apps, online marketplaces, restaurants, and consumers who may have paid fees for unauthorized reservations. The bill’s enforcement provisions, especially civil penalties and private rights of action, are the most likely areas where implementation concerns could arise, though no opposing arguments are included in the record provided.