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