California Public Resources Code 42270-42273, enacted by AB 1884 (2018), prohibits full-service restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws unless requested by the customer. The on-request rule applies uniformly to dine-in restaurants statewide.
Public Resources Code 42270-42273 requires full-service restaurants in California to refrain from providing single-use plastic straws automatically. Straws may only be supplied upon customer request. The law applies to dine-in restaurants where servers take orders at the table; quick-service and fast-food establishments are not directly covered by AB 1884. Local governments retain authority to adopt stricter ordinances banning all plastic straws, including in fast-food settings, and several California cities have done so. SB 54 (2022) further regulates plastic foodware including straws.
Violations result in a notice for the first two offenses; subsequent violations carry fines up to $25 per day, capped at $300 annually under Public Resources Code 42272.
See how San Francisco'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.