Quick answer: Straw laws vary by location. Many require straws only on request (staff don't hand them out automatically), some restrict plastic straws, and others have no rules. California's law limits single-use plastic straws to customers who ask at full-service dine-in restaurants, and Washington requires customers to request straws, utensils, condiments and many cold cup lids. Check your local rules, keep straws available for customers who need them, and use strawless sip lids where they fit.
Key takeaways
- Rules vary: on request, material limits or nothing.
- On request = ask first, don't automatically include.
- Accessibility matters: keep straws available.
- Sip lids reduce straw use for many iced drinks.
Examples of straw laws
California: AB 1884, effective January 1, 2019, says full-service dine-in restaurants may provide single-use plastic straws only when customers request them, with warnings before small fines. Note that it applies to full-service restaurants, not every café format.
Washington: a statewide law effective January 1, 2022 requires food service businesses to provide single-use items like straws, utensils, condiment packets, stirrers and cold cup lids only when customers request them or take them from a self-serve station. Cold cup lids are exempt at drive-through windows. The state Department of Ecology said it would focus on education.
Cities and counties: many local governments have their own rules, sometimes stricter than state law. Search your city or county code and ask your health department or local business association.
What "on request" looks like in practice
- Baristas ask, "Would you like a straw?" or customers grab one from a station.
- Straws aren't pre-inserted into lids or packed in bags automatically.
- Online and delivery orders let customers opt in to straws and utensils.
Accessibility
Some customers with disabilities need straws to drink, and for some, flexible plastic straws work best. A good policy:
- Keep some straws on hand, including flexible options where allowed.
- Provide them without asking for a reason.
- Train staff to respond kindly and quickly.
Straw alternatives
| Option | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Paper straws | Familiar, widely available | Can soften in long drinks |
| PLA or plant-based straws | Similar feel to plastic | Usually need commercial composting |
| Reusable straws (sold as merch) | Branded, sustainable | Customers must clean them |
| Strawless sip lids | No straw needed | Not for every drink (blended, boba) |
For lids, see our cold cup sizes guide and types of lids guide.
Setting your café policy
- Check local law (state, county, city).
- Default to on request even where not required; it reduces cost and waste.
- Offer sip lids for iced lattes and cold foam drinks.
- Keep accessible options available.
- Update online ordering with opt-in checkboxes.
- Train staff with a simple script.
Talking about it with customers
Be specific and friendly: "We give straws on request to cut waste. Just ask!" Avoid vague claims about being "plastic-free" unless every item qualifies; see our greenwashing guide.
Brand the lid, not just the cup
Affogato Bean prints branded cold cups and helps you choose lids that fit your straw policy, with design help included. See products.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change; confirm with your state and local agencies.
Frequently asked questions
Are plastic straws banned for coffee shops?
It depends on where you are. Some states and cities require straws only on request, some restrict plastic straws, and many places have no rules. Check your state and local laws.
What does straws on request mean?
It means staff don't automatically hand out straws. Customers can ask for one, or take one from a self-serve station where allowed.
Do cafés still need to provide straws for accessibility?
Some customers with disabilities need straws, and flexible plastic straws may be the only workable option for some. Many laws include exemptions or allow straws on request, so keep some available and train staff to provide them without questions.
Sources
- Recycling Today, “California Plastic Straws Restaurant Law.”
- Washington State Department of Ecology, “New Law Will Reduce the Use of Single-Use Utensils, Condiments, Straws.”
Sources checked October 2026. Statistics are reported as published by each source.