California Becomes First State to Ban Plastic Straws at Full-Service Restaurants

Assembly Bill 1884, which went into effect on January 1, 2019, now prohibits “sit-down” restaurants in California from providing single-use straws, unless requested by customers. Straws made from non-plastic materials, including but not limited to paper, pasta, sugar cane, wood, or bamboo are exempt. Restaurants violating the law could be fined $25 per day or a maximum of $300 per year.

Ian Calderon, the assemblyman who authored the bill, stated: “We need to create awareness around the issue of one-time plastic straws and their detrimental effects on our landfills, waterways, and oceans. It (AB 1884) is a small step towards curbing our reliance on these convenience products, which will hopefully contribute to a change in consumer attitudes and usage.”

Click here to see the text of Assembly Bill 1884.