Perhaps that seat at Bunglow or pasta dish at Don Ange will be easier to snag. (At least one can hope.)
There’s been a crackdown on NYC restaurant reservations as of December 19th — Legislation S.9365A/A.10215A as it is properly known — which eliminates unauthorized third-party services from operating.
“We’re putting an end to the predatory black market for restaurant reservations, protecting consumers and businesses, and giving everyone a chance to get a seat at the dinner table,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
As one of the biggest foodie cities in the world, NYC takes pride in its culinary offerings, but that doesn’t necessarily mean getting a table at a buzzy locale is always possible — far from it, actually. When unauthorized reservation systems enter the equation, they complicate the system by potentially leaving businesses without payment upon impromptu cancellations, unfairly charge customers, and refigures their organization system.
State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said, “This law targets unauthorized resellers who cause chaos for restaurants with last-minute cancellations and no-shows, leaving tables empty and hardworking staff without tips. For New York’s vibrant dining scene and small business owners, this measure ensures fairness and reliability, allowing them to serve their guests without disruption.”
Now, whether you have your heart set on trying a Michelin star restaurant, or if you’re just hoping to sample some eats during January 2025’s Restaurant Week, the reservation system won’t be quite so complicated.
For more information on the legislation, you can read the Governor’s statement on the New York State website.