Daniela Berson
WMAL.com
ANNAPOLIS — (WMAL) Have you ever left a bad review of a business online?
A new bill proposed by Maryland Delegate Jeffrey Waldstreicher will ensure that the business can’t bite back.
“From time to time, some companies – large and small – are starting to insert into their terms of service a clause that prevents them from reviewing their products,” Waldstreicher told WMAL.
Waldstreicher’s bill will prevent what he calls “flypaper contracts” from damaging consumers’ wallets and reputations.
He cited one bed and breakfast where a couple holding a wedding can be fined if a guest leaves a negative Yelp review.
“We do have tons of examples from across the country, including here in Maryland, where folks have either been sued or have recieved cease and desist orders for negative Yelp reviews,” Waldstreicher said.
A similar bill is currently circulating through the U.S. Congress.
It was approved by the Senate, but it is currently stuck in House committees.
Waldstreicher said it was better to be safe than sorry – regardless of what happens in Congress, he thinks that Maryland consumers should be protected.
The “Right to Yelp” bill is currently being reviewed by the Maryland House of Delegates.
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