NYC Restaurants Will No Longer Give Out Straws: Unless They are Requested

     Restaurants in New York City will no longer be handing out plastic straws, stirrers, and sticks: unless customer ask for them, thanks to a new state law that takes effect today.

     New Yorkers can still use plastic straws, stirrers, and sticks, however, food establishments cannot hand them out, unless they are requested.

     The law, which is part of the state’s effort to reduce trash, was passed last spring.

     At the time, legislators considered banning plastic straws completely, but the straw ban did not become part of the law. 

     Plastic utensils are likely the next items that will be given out only on an as-need basis, as Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer has proposed a similar idea in his bill called “Skip the Stuff,” which has majority support in the City Council, and the bill will be heard next month.

     Not only do plastic utensils create extra trash, but businesses could save at least $3,000 per year, the city estimates.

     “It helps us because we don’t have to buy the goods,” one New York City restaurant owner said.

     “We all have a drawer full of plastic forks and knives that we never use,” Councilmember Van Bramer said. “It would be nice if the default was that they don’t throw [plastic utensils] in unless you ask for them.”