Amid a broader national debate about the issue, a Senate Democrat filed a bill that would ban plastic straws.
Sen. Kevin Rader, D-Delray Beach, filed the proposal (SB 502), titled “Prohibition of Plastic Carryout Bags and Straws,” for consideration during the legislative session that starts March 5. The proposed bill would prevent grocery stores, restaurants and other businesses that sell food from using plastic carryout bags and providing single-use plastic straws.
In place of plastic, they would get bags and straws made from natural or certain synthetic materials. The new law would apply to restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores, liquor stores, movie theaters, and other businesses.
Stores that break the law would be fined up to $500 for the first violation, and up to $1,000 for the second.
Similar proposals have popped up in various parts or the country in recent years, in part because discarded plastic bags and straws are blamed for damaging marine life. However, some small businesses said this would hurt their business tremendously if they’re forced to eliminate plastic bags.
If passed, the new law would take effect on July 1.
Fort Lauderdale and Coral Gables are among the most recent cities across the nation that has taken steps to limit plastic straws. Declaring plastic straws an “environmental blight,” commissioners in Fort Lauderdale voted last Tuesday to prohibit the products’ sale or distribution in businesses, city facilities, and permitted events.
Gables commissioners, meanwhile, are taking a more conservative approach, banning them from city facilities, parks, and permitted events and from use by city vendors and contractors.
By: Maytinee Kramer
