Does Fresno, CA have its own plastic straw rules ordinance?

No. Fresno, CA does not appear to have a local plastic straw rules ordinance, California state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Cal. Public Resources Code §42270.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Fresno

Fresno, CA Single-Use Items: Plastic Straw Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State law: Cal. Pub. Res. §42270
Effective date: January 1, 2019
Covered businesses: Full-service restaurants only
Annual cap: $300 per restaurant

Summary

California Assembly Bill 1884 (Public Resources Code §42270) prohibits Fresno full-service restaurants from automatically providing single-use plastic straws; customers must specifically request one.

For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply: (a) "Consumer" has the same meaning as in Section 113757 of the Health and Safety Code. (b) "Food facility" has the same meaning as in Section 113789 of the Health and Safety Code. (c) "Ready-to-eat food" has the same meaning as in Section 113881 of the Health and Safety Code. (d) "Single-use" means designed to be used once and then discarded, and not designed for repeated use and sanitizing. (e) "Single-use foodware accessory" means all of the following single-use items provided alongside ready-to-eat food: (1) Utensils, which is defined as forks, knives, spoons, and sporks. (2) Chopsticks. (3) Condiment cups and packets. (4) Straws. (5) Stirrers. (6) Splash sticks. (7) Cocktail sticks.

Source: Cal. Public Resources Code §42270View official code

Full Breakdown

Under California Public Resources Code §42270 (AB 1884, effective 2019), full-service dine-in restaurants in Fresno may not automatically provide single-use plastic straws. Restaurants may only distribute plastic straws upon customer request. The rule applies to sit-down restaurants with table service, not fast food or to-go counters. The first two violations result in written warnings; subsequent violations carry up to $25 daily fines, capped at $300 annually. The law aims to reduce ocean plastic pollution. Many Fresno restaurants have voluntarily switched to paper or compostable straws regardless of the on-request mandate.

Violations & Fines

First two annual violations are warnings only. Each additional violation triggers up to $25 per day, capped at $300 annually per restaurant under Cal. Public Resources Code §42270.5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to fast food drive-thrus?

No. AB 1884 covers only full-service restaurants with table service. Fast food and counter-service establishments may still automatically include plastic straws.

Are paper straws required?

No. The law only restricts automatic plastic straw distribution. Restaurants may use paper, plastic, compostable, or no straws as long as plastic is given only on request.

Sources & Official References

[1]Cal. Public Resources Code §42270

Other rules in Fresno

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All Fresno rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno to another location·View the California single-use items overview

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