NYC Takeout Orders Will Arrive Without the Extras as NYC Officially Begins to "Skip the Stuff"

by Mindy Cohn

From here on in, what you order is what you get - nothing more and nothing less as NYC's Skip the Stuff, which was signed into law by Mayor Adams in February, launches today. 

What does it mean for the next time you order takeout? 

If you want a plate for your food, you'll have to request it. Expecting ketchup? It won't be there unless you remember to ask. Same thing with soy sauce, duck sauce, hot sauce, napkins, and utensils. All of this is a means to prevent waste and cut back on the estimated $40 billion in plastic utensils that are thrown out annually. 

Online orders will not provide these items by default, but customers will have the option to request whatever the establishment has available. Delivery and courier services may not provide any of these items either unless requested by the customer. 

Enforcement of the new Skip the Stuff law begins today with a warning period that will run through June 30, 2024. Beginning July 1, 2024, those not following the restrictions may receive a Notice of Violation and fines as previously reported by BoroPark24 here. For each Notice of Violation issued within a 12-month period fines will be $50  for a 1st offense, $150 for a 2nd offense, and $250 for a 3rd and subsequent offense.

Businesses should be prepared for visits from inspectors, at least annually, as part of routine inspections or 311 investigations. Inspections can come  from the NYC Department of Sanitation or the  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection