County commissioners set hearing on capping food delivery fees

The Clark County Commission will hold a public hearing Tuesday on a proposed emergency ordinance capping the fees third-party food delivery services are allowed to charge restaurants.

The ordinance, which can be viewed online at the Clark County website, does not mention any delivery services by name. It’s worded in a way, however, that would include companies such as Grubhub, Postmates, Uber Eats and DoorDash and covers all orders placed through such platforms, “including a telephone order.”

At a meeting on July 21, restaurant owner Kristen Corral told the commissioners that “apps such as Postmates, Uber Eats and Grubhub take 30 percent of every single order placed through their platforms, even pickup orders.” While the maximum allowable fee under the proposed ordinance is left open in the current wording, it suggests a cap of 10 to 15 percent of the purchase price. Moreover, the ordinance would prohibit delivery companies from reducing the pay of drivers, or garnishing their tips, to compensate for the lower fees.

The hearing on the ordinance is listed as item 40 on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting, which will begin at 9:05 a.m. at the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. The public is welcome to attend and comment.

The agenda lists the item as “for possible action,” meaning a final vote could be taken after the hearing. If the ordinance were to pass, it would take effect immediately.

Contact Al Mancini at amancini @reviewjournal.com. Follow @AlManciniVegas on Twitter and Instagram.