New York state is set to ban small toiletry bottles in hotels, sparking debate about government involvement in business operations, according to a new report from Fox Business.
This new rule, aimed at reducing waste, is raising eyebrows in the hospitality industry and beyond.
Starting in 2025, hotels with over 50 rooms can’t offer toiletry bottles smaller than 12 ounces.
By 2026, all New York hotels must comply.
The law comes with teeth: fines start at $250 and can climb to $500 for repeat offenders.
Many see this as government overreach.
The hospitality industry is already moving away from mini bottles on its own.
New York to roll out small shampoo bottle ban at hotels https://t.co/93MMeXNOTU pic.twitter.com/6xKVKAgFWr
— New York Post (@nypost) July 11, 2024
Marriott Hotels told FOX Business they’re well on their way to ditching small bottles globally.
Hilton has made a similar shift, saying, “As of 2023, Hilton properties were required to transition to full-size shampoo, conditioner, and soap amenities.”
This begs the question: Is the law necessary if the market is already heading in this direction?
The ban’s rollout hasn’t been smooth.
It was supposed to start in 2023, but hotel lobbyists pushed for a delay.
You wonder what is going through these Democrat leaders' heads in these blue cities. New York is a complete mess, so where is the leadership focusing its efforts for change? The small shampoo bottles in hotels. You would think it's satire but it's not.https://t.co/epG9Tg0lzP
— BucketOfUgly (@BucketOfUgly) July 11, 2024
They needed time to use up existing stock – a practical concern lawmakers seemed to overlook initially.
California has a similar law in place, hinting at a broader trend of states getting involved in hotel operations.
While cutting waste is important, critics argue this level of micromanagement goes too far.
This law represents a growing tendency for government to dictate business practices, rather than letting market forces and consumer preferences lead the way.
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As New York prepares to implement this ban, it’s worth asking: Is this the most effective way to address environmental concerns? Or does it unnecessarily burden businesses already making changes on their own?
