NSW Government backs off coffee cup ban, lets cafés serve disposable cups to dine‑in patrons

The New South Wales government has performed a policy backflip on its recent plastic‑cup restrictions. After announcing tighter rules on single‑use plastics, officials now say cafés may serve coffee to dine‑in patrons in disposable cups.

The amendment to the state’s new plastics legislation means that cafés can once again hand out the familiar single‑use cup to customers staying inside the shop.

No detailed explanation was given for the reversal, but the change restores the convenience of a disposable cup for coffee drinkers who prefer to stay put.

Reactions are mixed; some welcome the return of the disposable cup, while others wonder how it fits with broader plastic‑reduction goals. Either way, the coffee cup’s solo is back on stage—for now.