HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-02-2014 ss1 carestaurantassocCALIFORNIA
RESTAURANT
ASSOCIATION
September 3, 2014
Honorable Mayor and City Council
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
RE: Proposed ordinance to prohibit the use of expanded polystyrene food and beverage
containers
Dear Mayor and City Council:
The California Restaurant Association is the definitive voice of the food service industry in California and
is the oldest restaurant trade association in the nation. On behalf of our restaurant members in San Luis
Obispo, we submit this letter to express our opposition with a ban on foam food packaging at eating
establishments.
With the statewide minimum wage increasing by $1 this last July, and additional $1 increase approved for
2106, and the state's new statewide sick leave mandate, rising unemployment insurance taxes, and looming
Affordable Care Act pressures the cost pressures on small business continue to be an extreme challenge.
At a time of so much economic uncertainty, we do not believe it is appropriate to impose greater cost
burdens on the foodservice industry. Restaurants operate under tighter profit margins than many other
businesses — roughly 4 to 6 percent before taxes, according to the National Restaurant Association's
Restaurant Industry Operations Report. Restaurants, caterers, delis and other food providers will see their
operating costs rise, as polystyrene containers are two to three times more affordable than replacement
products.
Furthermore, a ban on polystyrene food products would force restaurants to purchase alternative products
that may not perform as well and cost significantly more. Restaurants should have the freedom of choice to
use food service packaging that best meets their operational needs. Polystyrene packaging is an economical
option that performs extremely well in keeping cold foods cold and warm foods warm. Polystyrene products
are also durable and well insulated and thus hold up well to various types of food to help prevent accidental
leaks and spills.
For all these reasons, we hold that a ban should not be the only option on the table. A ban does not truly
address litter and trash issues. By switching from one product to another, the composition of the trash and
621 Capitol Mall, Suite 2000 Sacramento, CA 95814 T: 800.765.4842 F: 916.447.6182 www.calrest.org
litter would change, but the problem does not go away. For example, the City of San Francisco conducted
a litter audit following the implementation of its polystyrene ban ordinance. The audit found that a 41%
reduction in polystyrene was offset by an increase of the same percentage of coated paperboard on an item -
by -item basis. Therefore, we believe exploring other options like foam recycling that would capture not just
food packaging, but all foam is a sensible approach that actually results in waste reduction.
Should you have any questions, please contact me at (916) 431 -2774 or msutton @ calrest.org.
Sincerely,
� Z 0 �
Matthew Sutton
Vice President, Government Affairs + Public Policy
621 Capitol Mall, Suite 2000 Sacramento, CA 95814 T: 800.765.4842 F: 916.447.6182 www.calrest.org