Bill > A5157

This bill prohibits food service businesses from automatically providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, requiring them to be provided only upon express request, with specific rules for full-service restaurants and casual dining establishments. Full-service restaurants with on-site seating for 10 or more customers must offer reusable utensils for dine-in customers and cannot provide single-use items unless requested for take-out orders. Casual dining establishments can only provide single-use items if requested by the customer, and online ordering systems must have "no utensils or condiments" as the default selection. The bill also mandates that bundled packages of single-use items will be prohibited after one year, and it exempts certain entities like schools, healthcare facilities, and correctional facilities. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is required to launch an education campaign within 180 days to inform the public about the benefits of reducing single-use items and encourage responsible use of self-serve condiment stations and utensil dispensers. Penalties for violations are established, with reduced fines compared to previous proposals, and all collected penalties will go to the Clean Communities Program Fund, with a portion retained by municipalities or certified entities. The bill also preempts any local ordinances on this matter and clarifies that pre-packaged food items with attached single-use items are exempt.

Business and Industry

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5157