News Summary
On September 2, 2025, Massachusetts enacted new consumer protection regulations aimed at eliminating ‘junk fees.’ Developed by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, these regulations mandate that businesses clearly present the total price of products and services, inclusive of all mandatory charges. This initiative seeks to enhance pricing transparency across various sectors, including restaurants and rental services, while allowing the Attorney General’s office to take action against non-compliant businesses. As a result, Massachusetts aims to create a fairer marketplace for consumers, free from unexpected fees.
Boston, Massachusetts – New consumer protection regulations aimed at eliminating “junk fees” officially took effect on September 2, 2025. Developed by the office of Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, these regulations are designed to enhance transparency in pricing for consumers across various sectors, including hotels, rental cars, auto sales, concert tickets, and restaurants, with the notable exception of airlines which remain federally regulated.
Under the new regulations, businesses are required to display the total price of a product or service upfront, incorporating all mandatory fees and charges before customers are asked to input any personal information. This initiative seeks to combat the prevalence of surprise fees that inflate the total price beyond the initially advertised amount.
The regulations stipulate that the first price presented to consumers must be the final price, excluding additional costs like taxes and shipping. In the food service industry, if an establishment chooses to impose extra fees for services, such as a 5% kitchen appreciation fee, these charges must be included in the menu prices. For example, if a dish would typically cost $20, it now must be listed as $21 when the service fee is taken into account. Notably, tips remain voluntary and are not required to be part of the listed price.
Furthermore, restaurants are permitted to levy service fees for large parties, but they must provide clear disclosure of these charges, ensuring that such fees are exclusively designated for the benefit of the waitstaff. Establishments are also bound to inform customers about fees at every point of pricing disclosure, whether on menus or in advertisements. For food delivery services, they may leave delivery fees separate from item prices as long as the maximum mandatory delivery fee is displayed prominently.
The consumer protection law grants the attorney general’s office the power to take legal action against businesses that engage in unfair or deceptive practices, while also allowing consumers to pursue legal action through small claims court or other judicial venues. The office has also set up a consumer complaint website (mass.gov/ago/consumercomplaint) where individuals can report businesses they believe are violating these regulations.
According to Campbell, the prevalence of surprise fees results in consumers losing tens of billions of dollars each year and is detrimental to fair competition in the marketplace. As a result, businesses that fail to comply with these regulations may face enforcement actions from the attorney general’s office.
Additionally, the new rules extend to subscription services and trial offers, requiring companies to provide clearer information regarding total costs and cancellation processes. This marks a comprehensive effort to enhance consumer rights and promote transparency in business practices.
While the attorney general’s office has made extensive resources available to help businesses understand and comply with the new regulations, some business owners are concerned about the potential impact on their operations. For instance, certain restaurants, like Rebel Rebel in Somerville, have expressed opposition, arguing that the regulations could disrupt established pricing models that incorporate service fees.
These regulations apply to all businesses engaged in operations or advertising within Massachusetts, including those based out of state and online companies. The law’s broad scope aims to protect consumers across the board while ensuring that businesses operate with a greater level of transparency in their pricing practices.
With the implementation of these new consumer protection laws, Massachusetts aims to foster a fairer marketplace, where consumers can make informed choices without the burden of unexpected fees increasing their costs at the final moments of a transaction.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News: Junk Fees Massachusetts Rules
- Wikipedia: Consumer Protection
- Boston Globe: Junk Fees in Restaurants Massachusetts
- Google Search: Junk Fees Massachusetts
- NBC Boston: Massachusetts Junk Fee Subscription Rules
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Consumer Rights
- Boston Herald: Massachusetts Tosses Junk Fees
- Google News: Massachusetts Junk Fees
- WCVB: Junk Fee Regulations Massachusetts
- Google Scholar: Junk Fees
- GazetteNet: Historic New Junk Fee Rule
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
