The government banned the supply of single-use plastic packaging in October 2023. The ban impacts on food businesses including takeaways and mobile food units.
You cannot serve prepared food to customers in single-use polystyrene food and drinks containers.
You cannot provide your customers with single-use plastic cutlery or drink stirrers.
The prohibition does not apply to single use plastic plates bowls and trays which are pre-filled or filled at the point of sale to takeaway. So, you can serve food in a plastic plate or bowl (but not polystyrene).
Items that are pre-packaged at the point of sale such as a ready meal or pre-packed sandwich, are excluded from the ban.
The new rules are enforced by Trading Standards and they can issue a fine for breaches. Ban on single-use plastic for businesses in England | Trading Standards (gloucestershire.gov.uk)
For more information see the Government’s Guidance Single-use plastics bans and restrictions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)