This month is shaping up to be a busy one for all food related businesses in NYC. Two new, important rules are going into effect soon that you need to be aware of. Both of these rules effect all food-related businesses, including delis, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, grocery stores, event spaces, catering halls, etc. The gist is, if you primarily sell food or drinks, the rules apply to you.
These two initiatives are the City’s Skip the Stuff rule and new trash setout rules, both are described in more detail below.
Skip the Stuff: Starting Monday, July 31st, businesses will be required to “Skip the Stuff” for all takeout and delivery service. This means as a business you must adhere to these new requirements:
- Do not provide utensils, condiment packets, napkins, or extra containers to take-out or delivery customers, unless requested by the customer.
- Your online ordering and delivery apps must be set to a default of not providing these items. You must provide customers with the option to request these items only if you offer them.
- Delivery and courier services may not provide these items unless such items are requested by the customer.
There is a one year grace period, fines will not begin until July 1st, 2024.
New Trash Setout Rules for Food Related Business: Starting Tuesday, August 1st, you must use a container, like a trash can with a lid, read through the flyer below for more information.
If you have questions about these new rules, we strongly encourage you to sign onto one of the information sessions put on by DSNY. These sessions are your chance to hear more about the rules and ask questions. The NYC Hospitality Alliance has put together a list of the sessions, which run through late August. Click here to sign up for one.
