Bans unauthorized restaurant reservation arrangement by third-party reservation service.

Restaurant booking protections and service penalties

Beginning May 7, 2026, third-party booking websites and apps need a restaurant’s written agreement to advertise, list, promote, or sell its reservations in New Jersey. Channels already authorized by contract with the restaurant, or its representative holding reservation rights directly from it, are excluded. Anyone who violates or causes a violation faces civil penalties up to $500 per violation, per day, per affected establishment. Customers charged fees for unauthorized reservations can sue in Superior Court for actual damages, capped at fees collected in violation. Affected restaurants can also sue for actual losses from reservations made but left unfilled. The court can order violations to stop and award attorney fees, costs, and other appropriate remedies. Lawsuits must be filed within one year after the violation.