Minns Reverses NSW Cafe Mug Law After Media Backlash

The New South Wales government has abandoned legislation requiring cafes to provide dine-in customers with mugs and glasses. The reversal occurred one week after the bill passed parliament, ending a plan that would have applied to the hospitality sector from 2028.

Environment Minister Penny Sharpe announced the decision on Wednesday morning during a 2GB radio interview. She stated that the government recognized the pressure on small businesses and wished to allow them to operate in the manner they deemed necessary. Sharpe noted that extensive exemptions were always part of the initial design.

The repeal also removes a provision mandating businesses to join a reusable cup scheme or face fines up to $110,000. The original measures aimed to reduce plastic waste, citing projections that Sydney's landfill would reach capacity by 2030.

Criticism intensified after the Daily Telegraph published a front-page story titled "'Nup' to the Cup" alongside reports of business owners complaining about the costs of the new scheme. Premier Chris Minns defended the policy on Tuesday, stating that the government was not eliminating disposable cups entirely. He acknowledged that he and most people use such cups and questioned whether the government had explained the policy clearly enough.

By Wednesday, Sharpe said she and Minns had determined the mandate was not required. She has instructed the NSW Environment Protection Authority to issue a statement of regulatory intent clarifying that specific changes will not proceed. The formal repeal of the laws is scheduled for after the March 2027 election, as parliament has only two sitting weeks remaining before dissolution.

Several components of the legislation remain in effect. Businesses must continue to accept clean customer-provided reusable cups, and single-use takeaway cups must be recyclable by 2028. The opposition stated on Tuesday that it would repeal the laws if elected, arguing they add excessive regulation.

Greens environment spokesperson Sue Higginson described the reversal as a "coffee cup captain's call" and a "sad day" for the environment. Jeff Angel of the Boomerang Alliance said the backdown mirrored federal government actions on packaging standards. A Guardian Essential poll showed Labor and One Nation tied at 28% of the primary vote, with the Coalition at 23%.