WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 90

COMMERCE: Provides relative to preventing restaurant reservation fraud

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Troy Hebert

Louisiana law now penalizes restaurant reservation fraud and authorizes restaurants to sue for damages from no-shows and false bookings, effective August 1, 2025.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 135.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 90

Legislative bill overview

HB 90 establishes legal penalties and remedies for restaurant reservation fraud in Louisiana, making it unlawful to knowingly make false reservations or fail to honor legitimate reservations without notice. The bill creates a private right of action allowing restaurants to seek damages from individuals who engage in this fraudulent behavior.

Why is this important

Restaurant no-shows and false reservations cost businesses revenue and operational efficiency, particularly affecting small restaurants with limited seating. This legislation provides restaurants with legal tools to recover losses and deter intentional reservation fraud, addressing a growing problem exacerbated by online reservation platforms.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition specificity: The bill may face interpretation issues regarding what constitutes "knowingly" making false reservations versus honest cancellations or legitimate mistakes, potentially leading to disputes over liability.
  • Enforcement burden: Restaurants must identify, pursue, and prove damages against individual fraudsters, which could be costly and difficult for small establishments lacking legal resources.
  • Proportionality concerns: Critics may argue that civil penalties for reservation fraud could be excessive compared to the actual damages incurred, particularly for first-time offenders or minor violations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.