Food service establishments with self-serve stations must display a sign at each station that states: “Plastic straws available upon request.”

These signs must be:

• Completely unobstructed
• At least two inches by seven inches
• Written in no less than 20-point font

Download a sample sign.

The plastic straw rules do not apply to:

• Items that are packaged in bulk by a manufacturer and offered for retail sale
• Beverage straws attached to individual containers by the manufacturer, such as juice boxes

Enforcement of the plastic straw rules began on November 1, 2022. Establishments violating the rules will receive fines for each Notice of Violation issued within a 12-month period.

Affected establishments should be prepared to receive inspectors, at least annually as part of routine inspections or 311 complaints, from one or more of the following agencies:

• NYC Department of Sanitation
• NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection

Discrimination

Failing to provide a single-use plastic beverage straw that is not compostable to any person who requests one may also violate the City’s reasonable accommodations law. This is subject to enforcement by the NYC Commission on Human Rights.

Learn more about public accommodation discrimination complaints on the Discrimination page.

Report Establishment Violating Rules

Report an establishment: