Prohibits unauthorized placement of merchants on advertising platform order interfaces, and would prohibit third-party restaurant reservation services.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Third-Party Delivery & Reservation Services

This bill would place new restrictions on third-party platforms — like food delivery apps or online reservation services — that list restaurants and other merchants on their websites or apps. Specifically, it would make it illegal for these platforms to add a restaurant or merchant to their ordering interface without first getting clear permission from that business. In other words, a delivery or ordering app could not simply list your restaurant, take orders on your behalf, or display your menu without your consent.

The bill would also go a step further by prohibiting third-party restaurant reservation services from operating in Rhode Island altogether. These are services — like certain online booking platforms — that allow customers to make dining reservations at restaurants, sometimes without the restaurant's direct involvement or agreement.

The businesses most directly affected would be restaurants and local merchants, who would gain more control over whether and how their names, menus, and services appear on outside platforms. Third-party delivery apps and reservation services operating in Rhode Island would need to change how they do business or stop listing certain merchants without authorization. Consumers who rely on these apps to discover restaurants, place orders, or book tables could also see changes in what services are available to them.

As of now, the bill has been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee, which has recommended it be held for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward toward a vote.