Boston food establishments cannot provide plastic straws by default and must use compostable or paper alternatives, but plastic straws remain available on customer request for accessibility and medical reasons.
Under Boston's single-use plastics policy, food establishments may not place plastic straws in default service or on self-serve straw stations. Compostable or paper straws are the standard. To preserve accessibility for people with disabilities, plastic straws must remain available on request behind the counter and cannot require proof of disability. The rule extends to delivery and takeout, where any straws shipped with orders must be non-plastic unless the customer specifies. Boston's Environment Department coordinates with ISD on compliance during regular food inspections. Reusable straws provided to dine-in customers are exempt and encouraged.
Food establishments displaying plastic straws on countertops, bundling them with takeout, or refusing the medical exception can face Public Works citations and ISD permit consequences for repeat violations.
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