City of Victoria single-use bylaw update
September 20, 2024Single-use accessory requirements:
The single-use accessories regulation is consistent with the B.C. Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation (which came into effect on July 15, 2024) with two exceptions: cold drink lids and drink trays are defined as single-use accessories. This means customers wanting lids for cold drinks and/or drink trays will have to request those in advance. Businesses may only provide single-use accessories (defined in the bylaw) in the following situations (effective December 5, 2024):
- The customer is asked first and responds in the affirmative, this includes responses over the phone or within an internet-based platform or app.
- The customer requests a single-use accessory, including requests made over the phone or within an internet-based platform or app.
- The customer obtains the single-use accessory from a self-serve station.
Reusable products only for dine-in services:
Effective March 5, 2026, it will be required that businesses that provide food, or beverages, to customers for consumption on their premises must serve the food or beverage using reusable service ware. A business may provide food to customers for consumption on the premises ofthe business in paper food wrappers or paper sleeves. (This regulation does not apply to pre-packaged food or beverages.) There are exemptions in certain circumstances related to the lack of grease traps or sanitation equipment – which require that the business apply to the City of Victoria for an exemption in advance.
For questions or more information contact
Greg Wilson
Director, Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs
gwilson@retailcouncil.org