Washington Introduces Cap On Fees From Food Delivery Apps

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has announced a statewide cap limiting how much third party delivery apps can charge as delivery fees.

Under Inslee's new proclamation, food delivery apps like GrubHub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash will only be allowed charge up to 15 percent of the price of an order as delivery fees. The total fee, the fee including delivery and other add-ons like service charges for distance, will also be capped at 18 percent. Inslee says the goal is to support restaurants by making it easier and cheaper for patrons to order food.

"We recognize the challenges posed by COVID-19 to our restaurant community, and we’re grateful to third party delivery platforms that have made it possible for Washingtonians to continue supporting local restaurants, and allowed many businesses to stay open," Inslee said in a statement. "However, these are difficult times. We all must sacrifice during these uniquely challenging times to both support our businesses and slow the spread of COVID-19. We encourage Washingtonians to support their local restaurants safely through delivery and take-out options that are available."

Restaurants are on shaky ground during the coronavirus pandemic, made shakier by the governor's recent batch of COVID-19 regulations banning indoor dining at bars and restaurants.

Several cities across Washington, including Seattle, had already imposed similar caps on delivery fees for app-based services.

The governor's proclamation will go into effect next Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 12:01 a.m.

Read the full text of the proclamation here.