Genesee News

State Rep. Mike Mueller (R-Linden) on June 17 testified about his plan to protect restaurants before the House Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Mueller's measure aims to ensure restaurants are not taken advantage of by independent delivery services, the lawmaker said on the Michigan House Republicans website.

Any third-party distribution company would be prohibited from using a trademark, likeness or intellectual property of a merchant without their permission and consent, said Mueller.

“Some delivery services are offering food from restaurants on their apps without first getting permission from the business, and it’s costing restaurants money,” Mueller said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “Our restaurant owners are already struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic."

“Now, to top it off, restaurants who do have active partnerships are being charged fees that are not expressively written in their contracts," Mueller continued. "My plan will protect our restaurant owners.”

Food quality concerns were also raised by Mueller in his testimony. He indicated that if  a third-party service takes too long for food delivery, that can impact the restaurant negatively, even though they are not at fault.

“I’m worried for our family-owned restaurants,” Mueller told Michigan House Republicans. “While listing a restaurant on a delivery-service app might seem like a good advertising opportunity, it’s not the case when the company is unfairly subjected to service fees.”

House Bill 5770 currently is under consideration by the committee.