If enacted, HB4145 would create a legal requirement for restaurants to inform customers of all applicable fees at the start of the ordering process. This change aims to protect consumers by ensuring they are fully aware of all charges before finalizing their orders, thereby reducing the potential for deceptive practices that could erode consumer trust in the restaurant sector. Any restaurant that fails to comply with this disclosure requirement would be committing an unlawful practice under the updated consumer protection law.
Summary
House Bill 4145, introduced by Rep. Jonathan Carroll, amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. The primary goal of this legislation is to enhance transparency in the restaurant industry by requiring establishments to clearly and prominently disclose all fees outside of food costs and taxes that are added to a customer's bill. This includes any administrative fees, which are often hidden until the final stages of the ordering process. The bill's intent is to prevent misleading practices that can confuse or mislead consumers when dining out.
Contention
While the bill is primarily focused on consumer rights and transparency, there may be concerns from restaurant owners regarding the implications of additional regulatory requirements. Some may argue that the legislation could increase operational burdens, particularly for smaller restaurants that might struggle to implement new disclosure practices consistently. Additionally, the inclusion of administrative fees could spark further debate about what constitutes fair pricing and transparency in a competitive market.