Nicosia, Cyprus. Takeaway coffee shops and food outlets in Cyprus will be required to accept customers’ reusable cups from next February under new European Union packaging rules. The regulation will bring broad operational changes for the hospitality sector and applies directly across all EU member states.
Direct application across member states
The changes form part of the EU packaging waste regulation, which applies directly across all member states without requiring national legislation.
Former environment commissioner Charalambos Theopemptou told the Cyprus Mail that the regulation “is directly applicable” across the EU, leaving Cyprus to put in place the practical enforcement framework.
Enforcement framework still to be determined
Cyprus must still establish how the rules will be enforced, including inspections, the authorities responsible for compliance and penalties for breaches.
“The new mandate is going to have huge ramifications for businesses, and will require significant oversight”, Theopemptou said.
Operational changes for businesses
From next February, businesses selling takeaway drinks will have to serve beverages in customers’ own reusable containers where hygiene requirements are met.
The measure extends beyond allowing customers to bring their own cups. Businesses will have to introduce clear procedures governing customer-supplied containers, train staff and display information explaining how the system will operate.
Businesses will also need procedures for handling containers considered unclean or unsuitable, while ensuring food safety standards are maintained throughout preparation.
Staff training and customer information
Theopemptou said businesses should prepare and train staff in advance. He said customers must also understand “what types of containers are accepted” and “what their own responsibility is” when providing reusable cups or food containers.
The changes will also affect takeaway food, where operators will have to determine how customer-supplied containers can be accommodated without compromising hygiene requirements.