Bill > S03911

This bill prohibits public food service establishments in New York State from automatically providing utensils, condiments, napkins, and extra eating containers to customers unless specifically requested. The legislation defines key terms such as "condiments" (single-use flavor enhancers like ketchup or mustard), "customer" (individuals purchasing food for takeout or delivery), and "public food service establishment" (which includes restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and other food service venues). Under the bill, establishments must only provide these items when a customer expressly asks for them, regardless of how the order is placed (in-person, online, or by phone). For first-time violations, businesses will receive a warning, and subsequent violations in the same calendar year can result in civil penalties up to $100 per transaction. The law allows self-service stations and does not apply to cities with populations over one million that already have similar local regulations. The bill aims to reduce food service item waste by preventing unnecessary distribution of single-use items, and any collected penalties will be deposited into the state's environmental protection fund. The law will take effect one year after it becomes official, giving businesses time to adjust their practices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3911