Politics · Australia · 1 hr ago
NSW plan would require businesses to accept reusable cups from 2028
New South Wales plans to require food-service businesses to accept customers’ reusable cups from 2028.
From 2030, large food-service businesses would also have to offer a reusable option.
Small businesses would be exempt from offering cups, but still have to accept customers’ cups.
The state says the plan has been consulted on for three years.
Hospitality figures say managing cup returns, replacements and cleaning could be difficult and costly.
Cafe owner Marino Plagiotis and restaurant association chief executive Wes Lambert say businesses may struggle to absorb the extra expenses.
The proposal aims to replace disposable cups, but no further steps or final decision are stated.
A proposed New South Wales plan would require food-service businesses to accept customers’ reusable cups from 2028.
Large food-service businesses would also have to offer a reusable option from 2030.
Hospitality figures say the requirements could add costs and create operational difficulties.
The NSW government says small businesses would be exempt from having to offer reusable cups, but would still have to accept cups brought by customers.
- Who
- NSW food-service businesses, with additional requirements for large businesses.
- What
- A proposed plan would require businesses to accept customers’ reusable cups and large businesses to offer a reusable option.
- When
- Acceptance would be required from 2028; the offer requirement for large businesses would begin in 2030.
- Where
- New South Wales, Australia.
- Why
- Not stated.
Hospitality figures
NSW government
Costs and practicality
Hospitality figures
Hospitality figures say the requirements could add costs and be operationally difficult.
NSW government
The government says the plan has been consulted on for three years.
Small-business requirements
Hospitality figures
Hospitality figures oppose the proposed requirements, citing the burden on businesses.
NSW government
Small businesses would be exempt from having to offer a reusable cup or mug, but would still have to accept customers’ cups.
NSW food-service businesses would have to accept customers’ reusable cups under the proposal.
Large food-service businesses would also have to offer a reusable option under the proposal.
- Start of acceptance requirement
- 2028
- Start of large-business offer requirement
- 2030
- Small-business exemption
- Exempt from offering reusable cups or mugs
- Small-business obligation
- Still required to accept customers’ reusable cups
What people are saying
We don't want to absorb any more costs than we already are
To be able to replace millions and millions of disposable coffee cups with reusable coffee cups, it's just operationally not possible.
It's impossible for businesses to absorb additional expenses.
Small businesses will be exempt from the requirements to offer a reusable cup or mug.