Utensils-On-Request: Long Beach vs Los Angeles
How do utensils-on-request rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Long Beach and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
California Assembly Bill 1276 prohibits food facilities from automatically including single-use foodware accessories like utensils, straws, condiment packets, and napkins. Customers must specifically request them or check a box for online and delivery orders.
View full Long Beach rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
California AB-1276 and Los Angeles implementation require food facilities to provide single-use utensils, straws, condiment packets, and stirrers only when the customer specifically requests them or selects them at a self-service station.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| State law | CA AB 1276 | AB-1276 (HSC 42271) |
| Effective | 2022 | - |
| Annual cap fine | Three hundred dollars | - |
| Online orders | Opt-in checkbox | - |
| Effective date | - | June 1 2022 |
| Max annual fine | - | 300 dollars per location |
| Applies to | - | All food facilities statewide |
| Delivery apps | - | Must offer opt-in |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
Can I still get utensils with my takeout?
Yes, just ask. Restaurants must provide them on request at no additional charge; they simply cannot automatically include them or hide an opt-out.
Does this apply to drive-throughs?
Yes. Drive-through workers must ask whether the customer wants utensils, straws, or condiments rather than automatically placing them in the bag.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can a restaurant still put napkins in every bag?
Yes. Napkins are not covered. The restriction targets utensils, straws, stirrers, splash sticks, cocktail picks, and condiment packets only.
Does it apply to drive-thru orders?
Yes. Drive-thru, takeout, dine-in, and delivery are all covered. The customer must verbally request or select accessories before they are added.
Are self-service utensil stations allowed?
Yes, customers may take accessories from a self-serve dispenser. Bins or bulk dispensers count as customer selection under the statute.
Compare other topics
See how Long Beach and Los Angeles compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool