Tennessee's auxiliary container preemption blocks Nashville from mandating straws-on-request or banning plastic straws. Restaurants may voluntarily switch to paper or compostable straws, and ADA accommodations require offering flexible plastic options to disabled patrons.
TCA 68-211-1101 preempts local single-use item regulation, so Nashville cannot adopt straws-on-request rules like those in Seattle or Berkeley. Many Lower Broadway and Germantown restaurants have voluntarily switched to paper or PLA-based straws because of customer demand and supplier programs. Federal Americans with Disabilities Act guidance requires that even establishments preferring paper straws accommodate patrons who medically need a flexible plastic straw. Metro's only direct lever is procurement: city-run concessions and Metro Parks events may specify non-plastic straws in their internal contracts, but private businesses are unrestrained.
Metro cannot fine restaurants for offering plastic straws. Refusing reasonable straw accommodations to disabled patrons can lead to ADA complaints under Title III enforced by US Department of Justice.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Nashville, TN
Nashville has no general Metro Code ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Items must sta...
Nashville, TN
Nashville has no specific Metro Code ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must remain on the propert...
Nashville, TN
Nashville does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating residential holiday lighting. General electrical safety, nuisance, and historic district rules apply...
Nashville, TN
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Nashville require Metro Codes permits when they include gas lines, plumbing, electrical work, or structures. Built-in grills wi...
Nashville, TN
Nashville treats smokers and solid-fuel cooking devices under the International Fire Code Section 308 as adopted by Metro Code. Use on combustible balconies ...
Nashville, TN
Nashville follows the International Fire Code (IFC) Section 308 as adopted by Metro Code Title 10. Use of propane grills and open-flame cooking devices on co...
See how Nashville's plastic straw rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.