CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – April 7, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 593, legislation aimed at protecting local restaurants and empowering small businesses owners. Following the vote, Representative Matt Wilhelm (D-Manchester), prime sponsor of the bill, released the following statement:
“This bill addresses an urgent issue facing small business owners who are under enormous pressure due to the pandemic. While food delivery has become a lifeline for many New Hampshire restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic, third-party tech companies should not offer delivery service without express written consent of the restaurant. Third-party delivery services cause confusion for customers, prompting bad online reviews which lead to a decrease in orders. This domino effect has been particularly consequential for small business owners in these challenging and uncertain economic times.
Today, the House took a stand for small business owners across New Hampshire who are being taken advantage of by out-of-state tech companies funded by venture capitalists in Silicon Valley who will gladly turn a profit on the backs of New Hampshire’s restaurant owners -- even if it tarnishes their reputation or puts a few restaurants out of business in the process. It’s time to put power back in the hands of small business owners to make decisions that are right for their restaurants.”