New Minnesota Law Makes Most Mandatory Fees at Restaurants Illegal

As usual, beginning January 1st there will be new laws taking effect in Minnesota. For 2025, there are a few new laws that caught my eye that I wanted to share with you.

New Minnesota Laws That Took Effect in 2024

There were plenty of new laws that came into effect in Minnesota this year. A few that were the most notable were two that took effect on August 1st.

One of those new laws was a new tipping law that, as Ogletree Deakins writes, says: "Starting August 1, 2024, Minnesota employers must pay workers the full amount of tips paid by credit card, debit card, or electronic payment."

READ MORE: New Tipping Law Takes Effect August 1st in Minnesota

The other was a law involving flying cars. It's being called the 'Jetsons Law' because of the TV show 'The Jetsons'. The law lays out the rules that flying cars would need to follow. For example:

"The new law calls them 'roadable aircrafts'. It's for an aircraft that can also be used to drive on a public highway. However, they cannot take off from or land on a public highway. That can only happen at an airfield, according to Fortune."

READ MORE: What is Minnesota's New 'Jetsons Law'?

A few other laws that took effect this year include a law allowing Minnesota breweries to sell THC beverages on tap like beer.

READ MORE: New Law Allows MN Breweries to Sell THC Drinks on Tap

Also, a new law took effect that changed the age kids need to be to not use a booster seat.

READ MORE: Minnesota Law Raises Booster Seat Age

But these new laws are all in our rearview. As we look to 2025, there are new laws to learn about. One of them in particular was interesting to me.

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New Minnesota Laws Starting January 1st, 2025

There are 9 new laws taking effect on January 1st, 2025 in Minnesota.

One of the new laws is definitely because of all of the hidden fees that Ticketmaster is being exposed for now. The new law bans hidden fees and requires transparency before checking out.

Another law going into effect will require wigs to be covered by insurance for cancer patients. That's a fantastic new law.

And the one that stood out to me is a new law saying mandatory fees at restaurants are no longer allowed beyond mandatory gratuity.

Most Mandatory Fees No Longer Legal at Minnesota Restaurants

Over the past few years, mandatory fees have continued to pop up in many restaurants across Minnesota. But now, starting January 1st, 2025, those fees will no longer be allowed beyond mandatory gratuity.

That means mandatory fees to bills for things like service fees, health and wellness surcharges, etc. will no longer be allowed per Minnesota law.

Many restaurants decided to add these new mandatory fees so they don't have to increase the prices on their menus. However, in my opinion, I feel like people would be less upset if a restaurant quietly increases most items on the menu by a dollar than making it known that they're charging everyone an additional 3% on their bill or something like that. Just my opinion, though.