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NYC Restaurant Resource Guide

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Food Businesses MUST Comply with New Trash Containerization Rules to Fight Rats

As of August 1, 2023, ALL food-related businesses in NYC must use rigid containers with secure lids when setting out trash for collection. Containers should be stored inside or in a rear yard if possible. If space is not available, bins can be stored within three (3) feet of the building line when not set out for collection. Bins must be maintained in a neat and orderly manner and always allow for a clear path of pedestrian travel on the sidewalk.

NYC DOHMH recommends:

  1. Using hard sided bins with tight fitting lids (some have lids that lock)
  2. Permanently attached lid to prevent loss
  3. Handle to make chaining easier
  4. Do not drill holes for draining or to attach a chain
  5. Replace any cans with holes, cracks or damage
  6. Wheels help in moving cans from curb back into establishment
  7. Regularly clean containers with a sudsy cleaner or 10% bleach solution

Learn more here.

Trash Setout Times Changed April 1, 2023

The NYC Department of Sanitation has implemented a new rule to reduce the time that trash, recycling, and curbside composting will sit on sidewalks. As of April 1, 2023, businesses that place waste at the curb* for collection have two setout options:

  1. If using a container with a secure lid, place waste at the curb one (1) hour before closing.
  2. If putting bags directly on the curb, place waste out after 8 p.m.

*This does not apply to businesses that have waste collected from loading docks or other off-street locations.

NOTE: There will be a one-month grace period – businesses will receive written warnings until May 1, 2023. Written warnings will be tracked, and warning recipients will be among the first places inspected for compliance in May.

Learn more about setout times.

Outdoor Dining Status Update: Mayor Adams signs intro 31-C into law and unveils ”Dining Out NYC"

City Council passed legislation to make sidewalk and roadway dining permanent citywide. On August 16, 2023 Mayor Adams signed the bill into law. A rule-making process will now begin, including a public comment period, to finalize the siting, material, and operational guidelines that participating businesses need to comply with.

Visit NYC Department of Transportation’s new Dining Out NYC website for more information.

Restrictions on Single-Use Plastic Beverage Straws, Beverage Stirrers, and Beverage Splash Sticks

As of November 1, 2021, food service establishments (including, but not limited to, full-service restaurants, fast food restaurants, cafes, delicatessens, coffee shops, bars, nightclubs, grocery stores, vending trucks, or carts and cafeterias) in NYC are restricted from providing single-use plastic beverage straws, stirrers, and splash sticks to customers as follows:

  • Providing single-use plastic beverage stirrers and splash sticks of any kind is prohibited.
  • Providing non-compostable, single-use plastic beverage straws is prohibited except upon request.
    • For customers who request a non-compostable plastic straw, food service establishments are required to provide one free of charge, without inquiring about the reason for the request.
    • To refuse to provide a non-compostable plastic straw or to inquire about the reason for the request could constitute a violation of the NYC Human Rights Law.
    • Food service establishments will be required to stock non-compostable plastic straws to fulfill customer requests and must post signs advertising the straws’ availability at self-serve stations.
  • Compostable beverage straws made of plastic may be given out upon request only for use on-premises, and only if the food service establishment properly separates and disposes of those straws through a commercial composting provider.

Food service establishments who violate the provisions of this bill will be liable for civil penalties. Learn more here.

Open Restaurants Accessibility Requirements

As restaurants expand outdoor seating, we cannot forget about accessibility. This information lays out the requirements for maintaining physical accessibility for outdoor dining.

Compliance Consultations: Open Restaurants Program

SBS offers one-on-one free compliance consultations to help you understand how to comply with key City rules. Our consultations will help you understand key City rules and common compliance challenges related to the Open Restaurants Program - we will not issue violations or fines.

Business owners are encouraged to request a consultation if they are actively participating in Open Restaurants but continue to have questions or concerns.

You can sign up for a free Compliance Consultation by logging into your SBS Connect account or creating a new account using the link below:

Sign Up for a Compliance Consultation

Open Streets

NYC's Open Streets program allows communities to embrace new public space and support small businesses. Open Streets prioritize pedestrians and cyclists by transforming streets into public space. This program allows for a range of activities and supports local businesses and schools.

Open Streets are coordinated in partnership with local community organizations. Public and private schools may also submit an application for Open Streets. All applications must be submitted by the school administration.

For questions about the Open Restaurants program, self-certification process, or translation assistance with the application, please contact DOT online.

Hospitality Hire

Is your restaurant struggling to find staff?

Hospitality Hire is a no-cost recruitment resource to help meet the immediate staffing needs of restaurant businesses citywide.

Our Workforce1 Career Centers can tap our pool of 100,000+ candidates to identify qualified individuals to meet your Front-of-House and Back-of-House hiring needs by:

  • Sourcing job seekers through its candidate databases, paid advertisements (at no cost to you) and through local partner organizations
  • Recruiting and screening candidates based on your needs—and referring the most qualified to your restaurant
  • Scheduling interviews

For more information or to view a webinar recording, please use the following links:

Submit a request for hiring assistance here.

Additional Resources