County Executive McMahon and Mayor Walsh Announce Executive Order Capping Third-Party Food Delivery Service Fees

No more than 15% can be charged for a delivery fee

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh today announced an executive order capping third-party food delivery service fees in Onondaga County, including the City of Syracuse.

When New York State first ordered the closure of eateries and restaurants, the demand for third-party online ordering and food delivery services increased across our local food service industry. With parts of Onondaga County now placed in yellow and orange zones, restaurants and local eateries have become more dependent on “take out” services.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “The hospitality industry has been devastatingly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and it is critical County government does everything in our power to help them stay in business. After consulting with members of the restaurant industry, it became clear that some third-party delivery service companies are charging egregious fees.” McMahon continued, “This cap, effective immediately, will limit any surcharges to no more than 15% in an effort to provide some economic stability and confidence for our local business community.”

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “For local businesses, this is about survival. And for their employees, it is about livelihoods. Third-party delivery services are playing an important role for restaurants and customers, but their fee structures simply don’t work during the pandemic,” said Mayor Walsh. “I appreciate County Executive McMahon working with the City to help our local restaurants keep more of their revenue from food and beverage sales in their own cash registers.