Title 10 Regulation of Activities
Chapter 10.515 Fair Meal Delivery Requirements
Section 10.515.010 Scope and Purpose
This chapter applies to all food delivery platforms operating within the City of Spokane. The purpose of this chapter is to require that food delivery platforms establish an agreement with restaurants prior to offering pick-up or delivery from such restaurants on the food delivery platform and delivering 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 delivery rather than in-house dining, establishing food delivery platform fee caps is critical for restaurants to stay open and flourish. The availability of reasonably priced options for delivery services will support a vibrant and diverse restaurant scene where restaurants can thrive 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 delivery platforms; assisting restaurants that would be less likely to stay in business under the weight of high fees for delivery services.
It is in the public’s interest to maximize restaurant revenue from pick-up and delivery orders to help these businesses earn a profit, support a diverse and healthy workforce, and continue contributing to the vitality of the local economy and community. As the use of food delivery platform services grows and evolves, clarifying requirements for agreements between food delivery platforms and restaurants and establishing permanent yet flexible caps on delivery service fees charged to restaurants will accomplish the legitimate government purpose of easing the financial burden on the struggling restaurant industry. Requiring food delivery platforms to retain records on food delivery platform agreements and charges will support the City’s efforts to verify compliance with food delivery platform requirements in accordance with this chapter.
Date Passed: Monday, December 5, 2022
Effective Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2023
ORD C36331 Section 1
