Does Long Beach, CA have its own utensils-on-request ordinance?

No. Long Beach, CA does not appear to have a local utensils-on-request ordinance, California state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from California Public Resources Code.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Long Beach

Long Beach, CA Single-Use Items: Utensils-On-Request (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

State law: CA AB 1276
Effective: 2022
Annual cap fine: Three hundred dollars
Online orders: Opt-in checkbox

Summary

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.

"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. ... "Standard condiment" means relishes, spices, sauces, confections, or seasonings that require no additional preparation and that are usually used on a food item after preparation, including ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, soy sauce, hot sauce, salsa, salt, pepper, sugar, and sugar substitutes.

Source: California Public Resources CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

California Assembly Bill 1276 (2021), codified at Public Resources Code Section 42270 et seq., requires all food facilities including restaurants, food trucks, and third-party delivery platforms to provide single-use foodware accessories only at the customer's request or at self-serve stations. This applies to plastic utensils, chopsticks, condiment cups and packets, cocktail and splash sticks, stirrers, and unwrapped straws. Online and delivery menus must include a check-box or affirmative selection. Long Beach Environmental Services enforces alongside Health Department inspections. The goal is to reduce litter on Long Beach beaches and the LA River outflow, where plastic utensils are common.

Violations & Fines

After two written warnings, food facilities can face administrative fines of twenty-five dollars per day up to three hundred dollars annually under AB 1276, plus local enforcement under LBMC Title 8 nuisance and litter provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Sources & Official References

[1]CA AB 1276 (2021)

Other rules in Long Beach

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Long Beach rules

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

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Utensils-On-Request in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Los Angeles County handle utensils-on-request.

Los Angeles, CA