Colorado's restaurant service fee law (HB25-1090), explained

What does HB25-1090 require?

The law targets hidden or surprise fees. For restaurants, guidance from Colorado law firms describes two main points:

• Mandatory charges should be included in the advertised price, or clearly disclosed before the guest commits to buying.
• Service charges remain allowed, but the amount must be disclosed, and the disclosure should appear on menus, websites, receipts and in what staff tell guests.

Does it apply to online ordering?

Yes. Guidance on the law notes it applies across platforms, including online ordering and reservation systems. If your online orders include a service fee, show it on the menu page and at checkout, before the guest pays.

Restaurant compliance checklist

1. List every mandatory fee you charge: service fees, kitchen fees, online fees.
2. Show each fee on the menu, in store and online, near the prices.
3. Show the fee again at checkout, before payment.
4. Print it as its own line on receipts.
5. Train staff to explain the fee in one sentence.
6. Review your third-party ordering pages too.

What happens if you don't comply?

Guidance on the law notes that guests can bring claims over illegal fees and recover actual damages, interest and attorney's fees. Clear disclosure is cheaper than a dispute.

How Forkrado handles the 5% guest fee

Forkrado ordering pages show the 5% guest service fee on the menu page and at checkout before the guest pays, and print it as its own line on the receipt.