Los Angeles, CA Single-Use Items: Utensils-On-Request (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- AB-1276 (HSC 42271)
- Effective date
- June 1 2022
- Max annual fine
- 300 dollars per location
- Applies to
- All food facilities statewide
- Delivery apps
- Must offer opt-in
Summary
California AB-1276 and Los Angeles implementation require food facilities to provide single-use utensils, straws, condiment packets, and stirrers only when the customer specifically requests them or selects them at a self-service station.
42271. (a) Except as provided in subdivisions (c) and (d), a food facility, for on-premises dining or when using a third-party food delivery platform, shall not provide any single-use foodware accessory or standard condiment packaged for single use to a consumer unless the single-use foodware accessory or standard condiment is requested by the consumer. (b) Single-use foodware accessories and standard condiments packaged for single use provided by food facilities for use by consumers shall not be bundled or packaged in a manner that prohibits a consumer from taking only the type of single-use foodware accessory or standard condiment desired without also having to take a different type of single-use foodware accessory or standard condiment.
Full Breakdown
AB-1276 (Health and Safety Code section 42271) applies to all full-service and counter-service food facilities statewide, including dine-in restaurants, takeout, delivery, and third-party platforms. LA Sanitation enforces locally alongside LAMC chapter XIX article 5.5. Accessories include forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, straws, stirrers, splash sticks, cocktail picks, and condiment packets. Facilities cannot bundle accessories with orders by default and cannot charge extra when a customer asks. Third-party delivery apps must offer an opt-in checkbox. The first two violations within a year trigger written notice; subsequent violations carry escalating fines.
Violations & Fines
First two violations bring written warnings. Each later violation within a calendar year carries a 25 dollar fine, capped at 300 dollars annually per facility location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a restaurant still put napkins in every bag?
Does it apply to drive-thru orders?
Are self-service utensil stations allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California single-use items overview
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Utensils-On-Request in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle utensils-on-request.