Looking for some napkins with your takeout order? Soon you may not find them in your bag, the Sag Harbor Village Board said Tuesday night.
Board members threw their support behind a New York State proposed law known as “Skip the Stuff” that would ban restaurants from providing utensils, condiment packets, and other single-use items unless the customer expressly requests them.
And if you plan on eating in-house, the bill says restaurants will only be allowed to offer reusable, washable utensils. They may not provide bundled packages of plastic forks, knives, and spoons.
The aim of the bill is to reduce plastic waste. Although it is still in committee in the State Senate, and provides for a 180-day sunset period, the village board has already declared it “on the books.” While the measure seeks to curb only items with a small physical footprint, “the impact is great,” observed Jeanne Kane, a board member.
What the board’s support actually means for local establishments, however, remains to be seen. Bob Plumb, a board member, said he would be discussing it with restaurant owners in the near future.
