NYC’s single-use plastic straw limits take effect Monday

Drinks with plastic straws at a bar
Photo credit Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — New York City’s new rules limiting the distribution of single-use plastic straws took effect Monday.

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Under the new law, restaurants, bars, cafes and other eateries across the city are no longer allowed to provide a single-use plastic straw — unless a customer specifically requests one.

The law, passed by the City Council back in May,  also bans single-use plastic stirrers.

Food establishments are required to provide a plastic straw free of charge and no questions asked if a customer requests one. The measure was written into the law to accommodate people with disabilities.

The City Council estimates that the law can save restaurants $3,000 a year.

The measure followed the state law that banned single-use plastic bags, albeit with some exceptions.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images