Aussie hospitality figures have lashed out at proposed reusable-cup requirements in New South Wales over fears businesses could face additional costs.
Under the proposal, NSW food-service businesses would have to accept customers’ reusable cups from 2028, while large food-service businesses would also have to offer a reusable option from 2030.
NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe told Daily Mail the changes did not mean single-use cups would be banned.
‘It says by 2028 they must be recyclable for your yellow bin.’
The NSW Government disputed suggestions the requirement to accept customer-owned cups would significantly increase costs for small businesses, arguing it could save them the cost of disposable cups and lids.
However, hospitality figures have questioned how large businesses would manage the return, replacement and cleaning of cups offered through reusable schemes.
Elixir Sabor cafe owner Marino Plagiotis opposed the proposal, warning it could increase operators’ costs and questioning how it would work in practice.
‘We don’t want to absorb any more costs than we already are,’ he told The Daily Telegraph.
Aussie hospitality figures have lashed out at proposed reusable-cup laws in New South Wales they fear could leave businesses facing additional costs
From 2028, food service businesses would have to accept customers’ reusable cups, while large businesses would also have to offer a reusable option from 2030
‘How do we get cups back from the customer? Do they leave a deposit?
‘It’s a logistical nightmare for people in a rush.’
Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association chief executive Wes Lambert also criticised the proposal.
‘[It’s] another example of a government who does not understand small business,’ he said.
‘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.’
Sharpe said cafes would have to provide reusable mugs or glasses for dine-in customers and accept clean reusable cups supplied by takeaway customers.
She added: ‘Small businesses will be exempt from the requirements to offer a reusable cup or mug. The Bill allows a cafe to refuse to take dirty cups.’
‘We will trial the reusable cup schemes on NSW Government premises and establish a reuse precinct in the Sydney CBD.
‘The plastics plan and laws have been consulted on for three years. The regulations will be developed closely with small businesses.’
