A new New Jersey law went into effect Saturday prohibiting restaurants from automatically providing certain single-use plastic items to customers. The “Skip the Stuff” law, which aims to reduce unnecessary plastic waste, means disposable utensils and condiment packets will no longer automatic ally come with takeout orders. Instead, customers must request them. In addition, online and app orders must default to “no utensils or condiments.” The legislation also requires full-service restaurants with at least 10 seats to provide reusable, washable utensils for customers dining in instead of disposable ones. Certain establishments are exempt, including private schools, health care facilities, prisons and food court vendors. Some business owners fear the law could frustrate customers who expect those items to be included and don’t realize they now have to ask for them. Edward Cannuscio, owner of Jo-Jo’s Pizza Restaurant in Galloway Township, said he agrees with the environmental goals of the new law but expects there to be some growing pains. “For me it’s going to hurt,” Cannuscio said. “I’m hoping that it doesn’t hurt the business as far as deliveries and people getting mad at you because you didn’t give them the utensils, the ketchup and the mayonnaise on the side.” Businesses that violate the law face a warning for their first violation, a $1,000 fine for their second violation, and $2,500 for a third and each subsequent violation. ...read more read less