Restaurant owner could go broke under blue states proposed to-go packaging ban, he warns

A proposal being weighed by Connecticut lawmakers could change how takeout food is packaged and delivered, and critics say it could affect quality and cost and could even threaten the livelihood of individual restaurant owners, with one saying he could “go broke” as a result. House Bill 5524 would prohibit restaurants and other food service businesses from using polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, for takeout, while also limiting items like utensils, napkins and straws.Restaurant owners say packaging directly affects how food holds up during takeout because trapped steam, temperature loss and movement during delivery can affect everything from crispness to presentation.Different materials, they say, tend to perform better depending on the type of dish.Pedro Garcia, owner of Mo’s Midtown Restaurant in Hartford, said takeout makes up between 30% and 50% of his business, making container choice a critical part of the takeout experience. Styrofoam is cleaner and easier to package, he told FOX 61. “For me, it’s more convenient,” he added. Garcia said he relies on the material to keep made-to-order meals fresh during transit.It’s a concern shared by other operators, who say certain foods don’t travel as well in other types of packaging.The bill would also require customers to request utensils and napkins rather than receiving them automatically.Customers may forget to ask and blame restaurants when items are missing, Garcia argued.He added that lawmakers should conduct more outreach to restaurant owners before establishing a law that could shake up their business model. “They should — because then we’ll have to be stuck with this.Or we go broke,” Garcia said.Industry groups are also warning the changes could affect day-to-day operations and costs.The proposal would add “operational and financial strain” to an industry already dealing with rising costs and labor challenges, the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Associat...