Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces “Seat Act” To Protect Lowcountry Restaurants From Reservation App Scams

(Washington, D.C., May 15, 2025) - Congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced the Supporting Equal Access to Tables (SEAT) Act to defend Lowcountry restaurants and small businesses from unauthorized third-party reservation services. These services, often powered by bots, list and resell bookings without restaurant approval, misleading customers and stealing revenue from independent restaurant owners.

Under the SEAT Act, third-party reservation platforms are prohibited from listing, promoting, or selling reservations for a restaurant unless they have a written agreement with the establishment. 

Independent restaurants are getting ripped off by shady platforms listing and selling reservations without permission. While these third-party services profit, restaurant owners deal with no-shows, lost revenue, and no accountability.

“Lowcountry restaurants and small businesses shouldn’t have to compete against predatory tech services for control of their own tables,” said Congresswoman Nancy Mace. “This bill protects restaurants’ right to manage their tables and keep the income they’ve earned.”

This protection covers traditional restaurants, mobile food vendors such as food trucks, bars and lounges, tasting rooms, and establishments located within larger facilities such as hotels, airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.

A third-party restaurant reservation service includes any website, mobile application, or internet based platform that is not owned or operated by the food service establishment itself. 

Endorsed by the Independent Restaurant Coalition, representing thousands of restaurants and bars nationwide, this legislation has strong industry backing and momentum for swift action in Congress.

"This is a growing national problem that’s already hurting restaurants here in the Lowcountry and beyond," said Erika Polmar, Executive Director of the Independent Restaurant Coalition. "Unauthorized reservation services profit by exploiting small businesses, misleading diners, and siphoning off revenue that should go to restaurant owners and their staff. The SEAT Act is a common-sense solution to protect independent restaurants, safeguard local jobs, and restore trust for customers across the country."

“Independent restaurants serve as economic engines and gathering places across the Lowcountry,” added Congresswoman Mace. “When bots or shady resellers hijack reservation systems, the damage doesn’t stop at the front door. Servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff all suffer from lost income and fewer customers. This bill helps take back control and protect local jobs.”

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