Last updated on October 28th, 2021 at 07:59 pm
On June 12th City Council passed a bill that would restrict food service establishments from providing single-use plastic straws, stirrers and splash sticks to customers.
First introduced in 2018, this legislation is another step to reduce street litter, help protect New York’s Waters from plastic pollution, while protecting the rights of people with disabilities.
When Does the New Straw Bill Take Effect?
November 1st, 2021.
Who Has to Comply?
Restaurants, cafes, delis, bars, grocery stores, food trucks and all other businesses that sell beverages in New York City.
What Food Service Operators Need to Know:
- As of the effective date, businesses cannot voluntarily provide plastic straws to customers.
- If a guest requests a plastic straw, it must be provided, no questions asked and free of charge.
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- Asking questions may constitute a violation the City’s Human Rights Law, protecting disabled guests that may need plastic straws
- Plastic straws must be kept in stock in case a guest requests one
- Food service establishments must post signs at every self-serve station, informing guests that plastic straws are available. The sign must:
- state “plastic straws available upon request”
- be unobstructed;
- be at least 2 inches by 7 inches, in no less than 20 point font.
- Establishments that do not have self service stations, are not required to post signs, but must make the straws available upon request.
- Single-use plastic stirrers and splash sticks are completely banned.
There are Exceptions:
- Businesses may also provide compostable plastic straws
- upon request only
- for use on-premises, not to be provided for takeout/delivery and
- only if the establishment properly separates and disposes of those straws through a commercial composting provider.
- Businesses can continue to offer straws made of materials that naturally break down in the environment, such as paper or bamboo.
Fines:
- A warning will be issued for any first violation before November 2022.
Contact Us for more information.
To ensure you are fully compliant with all rules and guidelines, schedule a mock inspection today.
Last updated: 10/28/2021
