Title 10 Regulation of Activ ities
Chapter 10.515 Fair Meal Deliv ery Requirements
Section 10.515.010 Scope and Purpose
This chapter applies to all food deliv ery platforms operating within the City of Spokane. The purpose of this chapter is to require that food deliv ery platforms establish an agreement with restaurants prior to offering pick-up or deliv ery from such restaurants on the food deliv ery platform and deliv ering orders from such restaurants to consumers. The establishment of such agreements will result in predictable and transparent business transactions that protect the interests of the City’s consumers and restaurants
As more consumers choose pick-up and deliv ery rather than in-house dining, establishing food deliv ery platform fee caps is critical for restaurants to stay open and flourish. The availability of reasonably priced options for deliv ery services will support a vibrant and div erse restaurant scene where restaurants can thriv e and respond to the evolving consumer needs and interests. This chapter seeks to eliminate the unequal bargaining power in the negotiation between restaurants and food deliv ery platforms; assisting restaurants that would be less likely to stay in business under the weight of high fees for deliv ery services.
It is in the public’s interest to maximize restaurant revenue from pick-up and deliv ery orders to help these businesses earn a profit, support a div erse and healthy workforce, and continue contributing to the vitality of the local economy and community. As the use of food deliv ery platform services grows and evolves, clarifying requirements for agreements between food deliv ery platforms and restaurants and establishing permanent yet flexible caps on deliv ery service fees charged to restaurants will accomplish the legitimate government purpose of easing the financial burden on the struggling restaurant industry. Requiring food deliv ery platforms to retain records on food deliv ery platform agreements and charges will support the City’s efforts to verify compliance with food deliv ery platform requirements in accordance with this chapter.
Date Passed: Monday, December 5, 2022
Effectiv e Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2023
ORD C36331 Section 1