Immediate Restaurant Relief – Gov. Baker signed Economic Development bill

Dear HSBA Members and Friends:

We are delighted to report that last evening, Governor Baker signed the Economic Development bill that included the 15% Delivery Fee Cap on third party delivery companies. The Governor tweeted that the bill would go into effect immediately. Starting today, GrubHub, DoorDash and UberEats can no longer charge any restaurant in the Commonwealth more than 15% for any delivery order. 

The passage of the Cambridge City Council order capping delivery fees at 15% in May helped spur the Massachusetts legislature to take this issue on. We send a big thanks to Councilor Patty Nolan for getting this process started. The enforcement mechanism to ensure the delivery companies comply with this law is a powerful one (Chapter 93A of the General Laws) so everyone should make sure their charges starting today are not more than 15%. 

This is an important victory that will provide a major benefit to restaurants and restaurant workers throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

We send thanks to HSBA members Jody Adams of Saloniki and Kari Kuelzer of Grendel’s Den for their support and advocacy and send a BIG, BIG THANK YOU to HSBA member, John Schall, owner of El Jefe’s Taqueria for his relentless efforts in bringing this about. John’s unyielding determination was the guiding force. More details here.

Congratulations Jody, Kari, and John for a job well done!

Denise Jillson

Executive Director Harvard Square Business Association