Chair Heidi Frail 

Needham Select Board

1471 Highland Ave, 

Needham, MA 02492

Chair Dr. Edward Cosgrove, Ph.D.

Needham Board of Health

1471 Highland Ave, 

Needham, MA 02492

Jan. 9, 2025

Dear Chairs Frail and Cosgrove,

We are writing to recommend that the Select Board and Board of Health support amending Section 3.14 of the Needham General Bylaws to once again allow the use of plastic splash guards for hot beverage service.

It has come to our attention that some local businesses have been cited for using plastic splash guards, despite their role in helping protect patrons from hot, splashing coffee. For many of our food service establishments, these items are considered basic safety measures that justify their use.

Hot beverages such as drip coffee and tea have to brew/steep at almost 200 degrees for proper preparation. Additionally, these beverages need to be kept hot for proper enjoyment. Maintaining a sufficient hot temperature from purchase to full consumption is vital for our businesses to maintain customer satisfaction. 

Conversely, leaving cups open at the top can be a burn hazard. Some businesses have received customer complaints, particularly when customers purchase multiple beverages and must carry them, or when liquid has spilled, causing burns.

As the Town considers future enforcement and policy refinements, we urge consideration of the cumulative impact of compliance costs on food service businesses, which continue to face post-pandemic recovery challenges. Notably, Needham’s restaurant sector remains an outlier in its recovery, with revenues lagging inflation.

We appreciate the Town’s commitment to environmental sustainability and respectfully encourage an approach that also prioritizes customer safety and supports local businesses.

Sincerely,

Greg Reibman

President & CEO 

Charles River Chamber

117 Kendrick St., Suite 300, Needham, MA 02494